2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3For I was envious of the wicked when I saw the prosperity of the ungodly.

4For there is no end to their death, and their folly is great.

5They share not in the toil of men; neither are they scourged like other men.

6Therefore pride holds them fast; they have concealed their wickedness and ungodliness.

7Their iniquity comes through like grease; they do according to the evil dictates of the heart.

8They imagine and speak evil things: they talk unjustly against the most High.

9They have set their mouths in the sky, but their tongues drag in the dirt;

10Therefore will my people return hither, and they shall have everything in abundance.

11They shall say, How does God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

12Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they are strong in power.

13As for me, I have cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocence.

14All the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

15If I say, I shall do as they do, this is sinful for me.

16When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me.

17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

18Thou didst appoint their portion according to their deceitfulness; thou didst cast them down when they exalted themselves.

19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.

20As one who awakes from a dream, so, O LORD, thou shalt despise their idolatry.

21Thus my heart was grieved, and my conscience troubled me.

22So foolish was I, and ignorant; I was as a beast before thee.

23Thou shalt comfort me with thy counsel, and lead me according to thy honour.

24Whom have I in heaven but thee? and whom have I desired upon earth besides thee?

25Nevertheless I am continually with thee; thou hast held me by my right hand.

26My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.

27For lo, they that are far from thee shall perish; thou hast destroyed all them that go astray from thee.

28I was pleased to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the LORD God, that I may declare all thy works.