[1] Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart! [2] But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, My steps had almost slipped. [3] For I was envious of the arrogant As I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [4] For there are no pains in their death, And their body is fat. [5] They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like mankind. [6] Therefore pride is their necklace; The garment of violence covers them. [7] Their eye bulges from fatness; The imaginations of their heart run riot. [8] They mock and wickedly speak of oppression; They speak from on high. [9] They have set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue parades through the earth. [10] Therefore his people return to this place, And waters of abundance are drunk by them. [11] They say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge with the Most High?" [12] Behold, these are the wicked; And always at ease, they have increased in wealth. [13] Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure And washed my hands in innocence; [14] For I have been stricken all day long And chastened every morning. [15] If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children. [16] When I pondered to understand this, It was troublesome in my sight [17] Until I came into the sanctuary of God; Then I perceived their end. [18] Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. [19] How they are destroyed in a moment! They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors! [20] Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when aroused, You will despise their form. [21] When my heart was embittered And I was pierced within, [22] Then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. [23] Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. [24] With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. [25] Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. [26] My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. [27] For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. [28] But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.
