Dual Panel1<> Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.
2But as for me, I came so close to the edge of the cliff! My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
3For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
4They seem to live such a painless life; their bodies are so healthy and strong.
5They aren’t troubled like other people or plagued with problems like everyone else.
6They wear pride like a jeweled necklace, and their clothing is woven of cruelty.
7These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!
8They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others.
9They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.
10And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.
11"Does God realize what is going on?" they ask. "Is the Most High even aware of what is happening?"
12Look at these arrogant people––enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.
13Was it for nothing that I kept my heart pure and kept myself from doing wrong?
14All I get is trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.
15If I had really spoken this way, I would have been a traitor to your people.
16So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!
17Then one day I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I thought about the destiny of the wicked.
18Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.
19In an instant they are destroyed, swept away by terrors.
20Their present life is only a dream that is gone when they awake. When you arise, O Lord, you will make them vanish from this life.
21Then I realized how bitter I had become, how pained I had been by all I had seen.
22I was so foolish and ignorant––I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
23Yet I still belong to you; you are holding my right hand.
24You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
25Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.
26My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
27But those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.
28But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.