1Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart.2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.3For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.4For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm.5They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they plagued like [other] men.

6Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment.7Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.8They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression: they speak loftily.9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.10Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full [cup] are wrung out to them.

11And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?12Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.13Verily I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocency.14For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children.

16When I thought to know this, it [was] too painful for me;17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] understood I their end.18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.19How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.20As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

21Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.22So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee.23Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand.24Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.25Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.

26My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.27For, 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 Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.