1Yet God is good to Israel: even to the pure in heart.
2As for me, my feet were almost gone: my steps had well near slipped.
3For I fretted at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4For there are no bands in their death, but they are lusty and strong.
5They are not in trouble as other men, neither are they plagued with other men.
6Therefore pride is as a chain unto them, and cruelty covereth them as a garment.
7Their eyes stand out for fatness: they have more than heart can wish.
8They are licentious, and speak wickedly of their oppression: they talk presumptuously.
9They set their mouth against heaven, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10Therefore his people turn hither: for waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11And they say, How doth God know it? or is there knowledge in the most High?
12Lo these are the wicked, yet prosper they always, and increase in riches.
13Certainly I have cleansed mine heart in vain, and washed mine hands in innocency.
14For daily have I been punished, and chastened every morning.
15If I say, I will judge thus, behold the generation of thy children, I have trespassed.
16Then thought I to know this, but it was too painful for me,
17Until I went into the Sanctuary of God: then understood I their end.
18Surely thou hast set them in slippery places, and castest them down into desolation.
19How suddenly are they destroyed, perished and horribly consumed,
20As a dream when one awaketh! O Lord, when thou raisest us up, thou shalt make their image despised.
21Certainly mine heart was vexed, and I was pricked in my reins.
22So foolish was I and ignorant: I was a beast before thee.
23Yet I was always with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24Thou wilt guide me by thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25Whom have I in heaven but thee? and I have desired none in the earth with thee.
26My flesh faileth and mine heart also: but God is the strength of mine heart, and my portion forever.
27For lo, that they withdraw themselves from thee, shall perish: thou destroyest all them that go a whoring from thee.
28As for me, it is good for me to draw near to God: therefore I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.