The Futility of Boastful Wickedness

521 Why do you brag of evil, "Big Man"? God's mercy carries the day. 2 You scheme catastrophe; your tongue cuts razor-sharp, artisan in lies. 3 You love evil more than good, you call black white. 4 You love malicious gossip, you foul-mouth. 5 God will tear you limb from limb, sweep you up and throw you out, Pull you up by the roots from the land of life.

6 Good people will watch and worship. They'll laugh in relief: 7 "Big Man bet on the wrong horse, trusted in big money, made his living from catastrophe." 8 And I'm an olive tree, growing green in God's house. I trusted in the generous mercy of God then and now. 9 I thank you always that you went into action. And I'll stay right here, your good name my hope, in company with your faithful friends.

A Morning Prayer of Trust in God

31 God! Look! Enemies past counting! Enemies sprouting like mushrooms, 2 Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery: "Hah! No help for him from God!" 3 But you, God, shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high;

4 With all my might I shout up to God, His answers thunder from the holy mountain. 5 I stretch myself out. I sleep. Then I'm up again - rested, tall and steady, 6 Fearless before the enemy mobs Coming at me from all sides. 7 Up, God! My God, help me! Slap their faces, First this cheek, then the other, Your fist hard in their teeth! 8 Real help comes from God. Your blessing clothes your people!