[1] Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. [2] But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped. [3] For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [4] For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm. [5] They are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men. [6] Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment. [7] Their eyes bulge with fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit. [8] They scoff and speak with malice. In arrogance, they threaten oppression. [9] They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth. [10] Therefore their people return to them, and they drink up waters of abundance. [11] They say, “How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” [12] Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches. [13] Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence, [14] For all day long I have been plagued, and punished every morning. [15] If I had said, “I will speak thus”, behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children. [16] When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me— [17] until I entered God’s sanctuary, and considered their latter end. [18] Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction. [19] How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors. [20] As a dream when one wakes up, so, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies. [21] For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart. [22] I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you. [23] Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand. [24] You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. [25] Whom do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you. [26] My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. [27] For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you. [28] But it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
