[1] Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.
[2] But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
[3] For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
[4] They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.
[5] They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.
[6] They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty.
[7] These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!
[8] They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others.
[9] They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.
[10] And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.
[11] “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?”
[12] Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.
[13] Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?
[14] I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.
[15] If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people.
[16] So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!
[17] Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
[18] Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.
[19] In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.
[20] When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.
[21] Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.
[22] I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
[23] Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.
[24] You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
[25] Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.
[26] My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
[27] Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.
[28] But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.