Good News Translation GNT
New International Version NIV
1 God is indeed good to Israel, to those who have pure hearts.
1
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2 But I had nearly lost confidence; my faith was almost gone
2
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 because I was jealous of the proud when I saw that things go well for the wicked.
3
For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They do not suffer pain; they are strong and healthy.
4
They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.
5 They do not suffer as other people do; they do not have the troubles that others have.
5
They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.
6 And so they wear pride like a necklace and violence like a robe;
6
Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
7 their hearts pour out evil, and their minds are busy with wicked schemes.
7
From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; their evil imaginations have no limits.
8 They laugh at other people and speak of evil things; they are proud and make plans to oppress others.
8
They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 They speak evil of God in heaven and give arrogant orders to everyone on earth,
9
Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
10 so that even God's people turn to them and eagerly believe whatever they say.
10
Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.
11 They say, "God will not know; the Most High will not find out."
11
They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?”
12 That is what the wicked are like. They have plenty and are always getting more.
12
This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
13 Is it for nothing, then, that I have kept myself pure and have not committed sin?
13
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.
14 O God, you have made me suffer all day long; every morning you have punished me.
14
All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.
15 If I had said such things, I would not be acting as one of your people.
15
If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.
16 I tried to think this problem through, but it was too difficult for me
16
When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply
17 until I went into your Temple. Then I understood what will happen to the wicked.
17
till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
18 You will put them in slippery places and make them fall to destruction!
18
Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
19 They are instantly destroyed; they go down to a horrible end.
19
How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
20 They are like a dream that goes away in the morning; when you rouse yourself, O Lord, they disappear.
20
They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
21 When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt,
21
When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
22 I was as stupid as an animal; I did not understand you.
22
I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
23 Yet I always stay close to you, and you hold me by the hand.
23
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your instruction and at the end you will receive me with honor.
24
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 What else do I have in heaven but you? Since I have you, what else could I want on earth?
25
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need.
26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 Those who abandon you will certainly perish; you will destroy those who are unfaithful to you.
27
Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, how wonderful to be near God, to find protection with the Sovereign Lord and to proclaim all that he has done!
28
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.