• The Tragedy of the Wicked, and the Blessedness of Trust in God

  • 1 Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.
  • 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.
  • 3 For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
  • 4 For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm.
  • 5 They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men.
  • 6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment.
  • 7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish.
  • 8 They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily.
  • 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.
  • 10 Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them.
  • 11 And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?”
  • 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches.
  • 13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence.
  • 14 For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning.
  • 15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
  • 16 When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me—
  • 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.
  • 18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.
  • 19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
  • 20 As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.
  • 21 Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind.
  • 22 I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
  • 23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.
  • 24 You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.
  • 25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
  • 26 My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
  • 27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
  • 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.