1 Truly God is good to Israel, to the pure of heart.

2 But as for me, my foot had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.

3 For I was jealous of the boastful, when I saw the peace of the wicked.

4 For there are no bonds in their death; but their belly is fat.

5 They are not in trouble like other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them like a garment.

7 Their eyes bulge with fatness; they have more than the heart could imagine.

8 They scoff and speak of evil oppression; they speak arrogantly.

9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongues walk through the earth.

10 Therefore His people return here, and waters of a full cup are drained out to them.

11 And they say, How does the Mighty God know? and, Is there knowledge in the Most High?

12 Behold, these are the wicked, who are continually at ease; they increase in riches.

13 Surely I have made my heart pure 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 deceived a generation of Your sons.

16 When I thought deeply in order to understand this, it was troublesome to me,

17 until I went into the sanctuary of the Mighty God; then I understood their end.

18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to desolation.

19 How have they been brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are fully brought to an end with destruction,

20 like a dream when one awakes; so, O Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.

21 For my heart was grieved and I was pierced to the core.

22 I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.

23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have held me by my right hand.

24 You will lead me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in Heaven besides You? And there is no one I desire on earth.

26 My flesh and my heart waste away; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.

27 For lo, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who go whoring away from You.

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord Jehovah, to declare all Your works.