[1] Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.
[2] But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.
[3] For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
[4] For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm.
[5] They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men.
[6] Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment.
[7] Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish.
[8] They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily.
[9] They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.
[10] Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them.
[11] And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?”
[12] Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches.
[13] Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence.
[14] For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning.
[15] If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
[16] When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me—
[17] Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.
[18] Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.
[19] Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
[20] As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.
[21] Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind.
[22] I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
[23] Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold 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 none upon earth that I desire besides You.
[26] My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
[27] For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
[28] But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.