[1] God is truly good to Israel, to those who have pure hearts. [2] But I had almost stopped believing this truth. I had almost lost my faith [3] because I was jealous of proud people. I saw wicked people doing well. [4] They are not suffering. They are healthy and strong. [5] They don't have troubles like the rest of us. They don't have problems like other people. [6] So they wear pride like a necklace. They put on violence as their clothing. [7] They are looking for profits. They do not control their selfish desires. [8] They make fun of others and speak evil. Proudly they speak of hurting others. [9] They brag to the sky. Their mouths gossip on the earth. [10] So their people turn to them and give them whatever they want. [11] They say, "How can God know? What does God Most High know?" [12] These people are wicked, always at ease and getting richer. [13] So why have I kept my heart pure? Why have I kept my hands from doing wrong? [14] I have suffered all day long. I have been punished every morning. [15] God, if I had decided to talk about this, I would have let your people down. [16] I tried to understand all this. But it was too hard for me to see [17] until I went to the Temple of God. Then I understood what will happen to them. [18] You have put them in danger. You cause them to be destroyed. [19] They are destroyed in a moment. They are swept away by terrors. [20] It will be like waking from a dream. Lord, when you come, they will disappear. [21] When my heart was sad and I was angry, [22] I was senseless and stupid. I acted like an animal toward you. [23] But I am always with you. You have held my hand. [24] You guide me with your advice. And later you will receive me in honor. [25] I have no one in heaven but you. I want nothing on earth besides you. [26] My mind and my body may become weak. But God is my strength. He is mine forever. [27] Those who are far from God will die. You destroy those who are unfaithful. [28] But I am close to God, and that is good. The Lord God is my protection. I will tell all that you have done.
