1
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a cleanheart.2
But as for me, my feet were almostgone ; my steps had well nighslipped .
3
For I was envious at the foolish , when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.4
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.a5
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plaguedlike other men.6
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain ; violencecovereth them as a garment.7
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.8
They are corrupt , and speakwickedly concerning oppression: they speakloftily.9
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tonguewalketh through the earth.10
Therefore his peoplereturnhither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11
And they say , How doth Godknow ? and is thereknowledge in the most High?12
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.13
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.14
For all the day long have I been plagued , and chastenedb every morning.15
If I say , I will speakthus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.16
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;17
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.18
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.19
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterlyconsumed with terrors.20
As a dream when one awaketh ; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.21
Thus my heart was grieved , and I was pricked in my reins.22
So foolish was I, and ignorant :c I was as a beast before thee. d23
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my righthand.24
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwardreceive me to glory.25
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26
My flesh and my heartfaileth : but God is the strengthe of my heart, and my portion for ever.27
For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish : thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the LordGOD, that I may declare all thy works.