1Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are clean.
2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had nearly slipped.
3For I was envious of the proud, when I saw how well the wicked were doing.
4For there are no pains in their death; their strength is firm.
5They are not in trouble as other people are; they are not struck down like others.
6So pride is their necklace; violence covers them like a coat.
7Their eyes bulge with fat; they have more than their hearts could wish for.
8They are corrupt, and they talk wickedly about crushing others; they speak proudly.
9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.
10So his people turn back here, and waters of a full cup are drained by them.
11And they say, "How does God know? Is there any knowledge in the Most High?"
12Look, these are the ungodly, who do well in the world; they grow richer and richer.
13Truly I have kept my heart clean for nothing, and washed my hands in innocence for nothing.
14For all day long I have been struck down, and punished every morning.
15If I said, "I will speak like this," look, I would have betrayed the family of your children.
16When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me;
17until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.
18Surely you set them in slippery places; you throw them down into ruin.
19How suddenly they are laid waste! They are completely swept away by terrors.
20Like a dream when someone wakes up, so, O Lord, when you awake, you will despise their image.
21So my heart was grieved, and I was pierced deep inside.
22I was so foolish, and I did not know; I was like a beast before you.
23Yet I am always with you; you have held me by my right hand.
24You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25Whom do I have in heaven but you? And there is no one on earth that I want besides you.
26My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27For look, those who are far from you will die; you have destroyed all who are unfaithful and leave you.
28But it is good for me to come near to God. I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, so that I may tell of all your works.