[1] God is truly good to Israel, to those who have pure hearts. [2] But I had almost stopped believing; 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] They wear pride like a necklace and put on violence as their clothing. [7] They are looking for profits and 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. They say that they own 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 like 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 rise up, 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 body and my mind 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.
