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 .
The Turning Point
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 .
The Assurance of God's Justice
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 .