[1] Truly God is good to Israel, to the pure in heart. [2] But as for me, my feet almost stumbled; my steps had almost slipped. [3] For I was envious at the boastful; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [4] For there are no pains in their death; their bodies are fat. [5] They are not in trouble as other people; nor are they plagued like others. [6] Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. [7] Their eyes bulge with fatness; they have more than a heart could wish. [8] They mock and speak with evil oppression; they speak loftily. [9] They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth. [10] Therefore people turn to them, and abundant waters are drunk by them. [11] They say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge with the Most High?" [12] Observe, these are the wicked, always at ease; they increase in riches. [13] Surely I have kept my heart pure for nothing, and washed my hands in innocence. [14] For all the day long I am plagued, and chastened every morning. [15] If I said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed the generation of Your children. [16] When I thought to understand this, it was troublesome in my eyes, [17] until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. [18] Surely You have set them in slippery places; You have brought them down to ruin. [19] How they come to desolation, as in a moment! They have come to an end, utterly consumed with terrors. [20] As a dream when one awakes, so, O Lord, when You awake, You will despise their form. [21] Thus my heart was embittered, and I was pierced in my feelings. [22] I was a brute and did not understand; I was as a beast before You. [23] Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have held me by my right hand. [24] You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. [25] Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that 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 those who are far from You will perish; You destroy everyone who is unfaithful to You. [28] But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have taken my refuge in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works.
