1 T ruly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.

2 B ut as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.

3 F or I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 F or there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm.

5 T hey are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men.

6 T herefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment.

7 T heir eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish.

8 T hey scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily.

9 T hey set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.

10 T herefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them.

11 A nd they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?”

12 B ehold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches.

13 S urely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence.

14 F or all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning.

15 I f I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.

16 W hen I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me—

17 U ntil I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.

18 S urely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.

19 O h, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.

20 A s a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.

21 T hus 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 N evertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.

24 Y ou will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.

25 W hom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.

26 M y flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 F or indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.

28 B ut it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord G OD, That I may declare all Your works.