¹ You would be in the right, O Lord,
    if I should dispute with you;
    even so, I must lay out the case against you.
Why does the way of the wicked prosper,
    why do all the treacherous live in contentment?^(A)
2 You planted them; they have taken root,
    they flourish and bear fruit as well.
You are upon their lips,
    but far from their thoughts.^(B)
3 Lord, you know me, you see me,
    you have found that my heart is with you.^(C)
Pick them out like sheep for the butcher,
    set them apart for the day of slaughter.^[a]