1Surely God is good to Israel , Even to such as are pure in heart . 2But as for me, my feet were almost gone ; My steps had well nigh slipped . 3For I was envious at the arrogant , When I saw the prosperity of the wicked . 4For there are no pangs 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 is as a chain about their neck; Violence covereth them as a garment . 7Their eyes stand out with fatness : They have more than heart could wish . 8They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression : They speak loftily . 9They have set their mouth in the heavens , And their tongue walketh through the earth . 10Therefore his people return hither : And waters of a full cup are drained by them . 11And they say, How doth God know ? And is there knowledge in the Most High ? 12Behold , these are the wicked ; And , being alway at ease , they increase in riches . 13Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart , And washed my hands in innocency ; 14For all the day long have I been plagued , And chastened every morning .
The Turning Point
15If I had said, I will speak thus ; Behold , I had dealt treacherously with the generation of thy children . 16When I thought how I might know this , It was too painful for me ; 17Until I went into the sanctuary of God, And considered their latter end. 18Surely thou settest them in slippery places : Thou castest them down to destruction . 19How are they become a desolation in a moment ! They are utterly consumed with terrors . 20As a dream when one awaketh , So , O Lord, when thou awakest , thou wilt despise their image .
The Assurance of God's Justice
21For my soul was grieved , And I was pricked in my heart : 22So brutish was I , and ignorant ; I was as a beast before thee. 23Nevertheless I am continually with thee : Thou hast holden my right hand . 24Thou wilt 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 besides 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 play the harlot , departing from thee. 28But it is good for me to draw near unto God : I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge , That I may tell of all thy works .