I do not understand what I do.

For what I want to do,

I do not do.

 

I do the things I know,

I should not do.

What I do is the opposite

Of what I know is true.

 

If I do what I do not want,

then it is no longer I who do, but sin living in me.

I do not understand how in knowing this,

I still do what I do not want,

And why I cannot from its grip break free.

 

I desire to do what is good,

but cannot carry it out.

For what I do is not the good

I want to be about.

 

The things I do not want to do,

This I continue to do.

Who can save me from this wretchedness?

Praise God! Lord, I rest in you!