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¹ TRULY God is good to Israel, and to those who are 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 wicked when I saw the prosperity of the ungodly.⁴ For there is no end to their death, and their folly is great.⁵ They share not in the toil of men; neither are they scourged like other men.⁶ Therefore pride holds them fast; they have concealed their wickedness and ungodliness.⁷ Their iniquity comes through like grease; they do according to the evil dictates of the heart.⁸ They imagine and speak evil things: they talk unjustly against the most High.⁹ They have set their mouths in the sky, but their tongues drag in the dirt;¹⁰ Therefore will my people return hither, and they shall have everything in abundance.¹¹ They shall say, How does God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?¹² Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they are strong in power.¹³ As for me, I have cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocence.¹⁴ All the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

¹⁵ If I say, I shall do as they do, this is sinful for me.¹⁶ When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me.¹⁷ Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.¹⁸ Thou didst appoint their portion according to their deceitfulness; thou didst cast them down when they exalted themselves.¹⁹ How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.²⁰ As one who awakes from a dream, so, O LORD, thou shalt despise their idolatry.

²¹ Thus my heart was grieved, and my conscience troubled me.²² So foolish was I, and ignorant; I was as a beast before thee.²³ Thou shalt comfort me with thy counsel, and lead me according to thy honour.²⁴ Whom have I in heaven but thee? and whom have I desired upon earth besides thee?²⁵ Nevertheless I am continually with thee; thou hast held me by my right hand.²⁶ My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.²⁷ For lo, they that are far from thee shall perish; thou hast destroyed all them that go astray from thee.²⁸ I was pleased to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the LORD God, that I mar declare all thy works.