1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet almost departed from the way; my steps had almost slipped. 3 For I became angry against the foolish when I saw the peace of the wicked.
4 Because there is no restraint that would bring about their death, but their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore they are crowned with pride; they cover themselves with violence as a garment. 7 Their eyes stand out with fatness; they easily obtain the desires of their heart. 8 They are lawless and speak wickedly of doing violence; they speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against heaven, and their tongue walks through the earth. 10 Therefore his people shall return here; and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. 11 And they say, How does God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? 12 Behold, these ungodly men, without being troubled by the world obtain riches. 13 Verily, in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency 14 and been plagued all day long and chastened every morning: 15 If I should say, I will speak as they do; behold, I should deny the generation of thy sons.
16 I shall meditate that I might understand this; it is very hard for me to see. 17 When I come into the sanctuary of God, then I shall understand their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; in desolation thou shalt cause them to fall. 19 How they are brought into desolation, as in a moment! They have come to an end; they are utterly consumed with terrors. 20 As the dream of one who awakes; so, O Lord, when thou shalt rise up, thou shalt despise their appearances. 21 Truly my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my kidneys. 22 But I was ignorant and did not understand; I was as a beast before thee.
23 Nevertheless I was continually with thee; thou hast apprehended me by my right hand. 24 Thou hast guided me with thy counsel, and afterward thou shalt receive me unto glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? And apart from thee there is nothing upon the earth that I desire. 26 My flesh and my heart fail; the strength of my heart is that God is my portion for ever.
27 For, behold, those that stray from thee shall perish; thou dost cut off all those that go a whoring from thee. 28 But as for me, to draw near to God is good; I have put my hope in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.