| 1 | Truly God is [only] good to Israel, even to those who are upright
and
pure in heart. |
| 2 | But as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well-nigh slipped. |
| 3 | For I was envious of the foolish
and
arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
| 4 | For they suffer no violent pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. |
| 5 | They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they smitten
and
plagued like other men. |
| 6 | Therefore pride is about their necks like a chain; violence covers them like a garment [like a long, luxurious robe]. |
| 7 | Their eyes stand out with fatness, they have more than heart could wish;
and
the imaginations of their minds overflow [with follies]. |
| 8 | They scoff, and wickedly utter oppression; they speak loftily [from on high, maliciously and blasphemously]. |
| 9 | They 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]. |
| 10 | Therefore His people return here, and waters of a full cup [offered by the wicked] are [blindly] drained by them. |
| 11 | And they say, How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High? |
| 12 | Behold, these are the ungodly, who always prosper
and
are at ease in the world; they increase in riches. |
| 13 | Surely then in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency. |
| 14 | For all the day long have I been smitten
and
plagued, and chastened every morning. |
| 15 | Had I spoken thus [and given expression to my feelings], I would have been untrue
and
have dealt treacherously against the generation of Your children. |
| 16 | But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me
and
too painful |
| 17 | Until 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. |
| 19 | How they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors! |
| 20 | As 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. |
| 21 | For 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]. |
| 22 | So foolish, stupid,
and
brutish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. |
| 23 | Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand. |
| 24 | You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor
and
glory. |
| 25 | Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight
or
desire on earth besides You. |
| 26 | My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock
and
firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever. |
| 27 | For 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. |
| 28 | But 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. |
Cross references:
-
Psalm 73:9 : Rev. 13:6.
|