Dual Panel1TRULY GOD is [only] good to Israel, even to those who are upright {and} pure in heart.
2But as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well-nigh slipped.
3For I was envious of the foolish {and} arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4For they suffer no violent pangs in their death, but their strength is firm.
5They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they smitten {and} plagued like other men.
6Therefore pride is about their necks like a chain; violence covers them like a garment [like a long, luxurious robe].
7Their eyes stand out with fatness, they have more than heart could wish; {and} the imaginations of their minds overflow [with follies].
8They scoff, and wickedly utter oppression; they speak loftily [from on high, maliciously and blasphemously].
9They set their mouths against {and} speak down from heaven, and their tongues swagger through the earth [invading even heaven with blasphemy and smearing earth with slanders].
10Therefore His people return here, and waters of a full cup [offered by the wicked] are [blindly] drained by them.
11And they say, How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?
12Behold, these are the ungodly, who always prosper {and} are at ease in the world; they increase in riches.
13Surely then in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency.
14For all the day long have I been smitten {and} plagued, and chastened every morning.
15Had I spoken thus [and given expression to my feelings], I would have been untrue {and} have dealt treacherously against the generation of Your children.
16But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me {and} too painful
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood [for I considered] their end.
18[After all] You do set the [wicked] in slippery places; You cast them down to ruin {and} destruction.
19How they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors!
20As a dream [which seems real] until one awakens, so, O Lord, when You arouse Yourself [to take note of the wicked], You will despise their outward show.
21For my heart was grieved, embittered, {and} in a state of ferment, and I was pricked in my heart [as with the sharp fang of an adder].
22So foolish, stupid, {and} brutish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
23Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand.
24You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor {and} glory.
25Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight {or} desire on earth besides You.
26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock {and} firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever.
27For behold, those who are far from You shall perish; You will destroy all who are false to You {and} like [spiritual] harlots depart from You.
28But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God {and} made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.