Psalm 36

// He who in evil does rejoice // Hears in his heart a wicked voice; // It whispers and it flatters. // It lures him on, and he obeys // Till from Thy fear, O LORD, he strays // And him Thy anger shatters. // His words are lies, his wisdom gone; // All his transgressions urge him on, // He does their will with pleasure. // Upon his bed he plans deceit, // On ways of sin he sets his feet, // His evil is his treasure. // // Thy love and faithfulness extend // Wherever Thou to heaven’s end // Thy righteous scepter wieldest. // Thy judgment is a secret deep, // Thy justice like God’s mountains steep, // And man and beast Thou shieldest. // Of Thy great mercy heaven sings // For in the shadow of Thy wings // No son of man shall perish. // Thou shalt them to Thy feasts invite, // They drink from streams of Thy delight, // Thy precious love they cherish. // // Life’s fountain is, O LORD, with Thee // , And in Thy light the light we see; // Let right and mercy tarry // With them who fear Thy faithful Name; // Put Thou the enemies to shame, // Let all their schemes miscarry. // Save Thou me for Thy mercy’s sake, // Let not the proud me overtake, // Nor from Thy covenant sever. // O people, praise your God and see // The workers of iniquity // Who are cast down forever! // // W. van der Kamp, 1972