[1] God is truly good to Israel, especially to everyone with a pure heart. [2] But I almost stumbled and fell, [3] because it made me jealous to see proud and evil people and to watch them prosper. [4] They never have to suffer, they stay healthy, [5] and they don't have troubles like everyone else. [6] Their pride is like a necklace, and they commit sin more often than they dress themselves. [7] Their eyes poke out with fat, and their minds are flooded with foolish thoughts. [8] They sneer and say cruel things, and because of their pride, they make violent threats. [9] They dare to speak against God and to order others around. [10] God will bring his people back, and they will drink the water he so freely gives. [11] Only evil people would say, "God Most High cannot know everything!" [12] Yet all goes well for them, and they live in peace. [13] What good did it do me to keep my thoughts pure and refuse to do wrong? [14] I am sick all day, and I am punished each morning. [15] If I had said evil things, I would not have been loyal to your people. [16] It was hard for me to understand all this! [17] Then I went to your temple, and there I understood what will happen to my enemies. [18] You will make them stumble, never to get up again. [19] They will be terrified, suddenly swept away and no longer there. [20] They will disappear, Lord, despised like a bad dream the morning after. [21] Once I was bitter and brokenhearted. [22] I was stupid and ignorant, and I treated you as a wild animal would. [23] But I never really left you, and you hold my right hand. [24] Your advice has been my guide, and later you will welcome me in glory. [25] In heaven I have only you, and on this earth you are all I want. [26] My body and mind may fail, but you are my strength and my choice forever. [27] Powerful LORD God, all who stay far from you will be lost, and you will destroy those who are unfaithful. [28] It is good for me to be near you. I choose you as my protector, and I will tell about your wonderful deeds.
