Christian Standard Bible

New Living Translation

1God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart.

1Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.

2But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.

2But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.

3For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

3For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.

4They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed.

4They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.

5They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people.

5They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.

6Therefore, pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment.

6They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty.

7Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.

7These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!

8They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression.

8They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others.

9They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth.

9They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.

10Therefore his people turn to them and drink in their overflowing words.

10And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.

11The wicked say, "How can God know? Does the Most High know everything?"

11“What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?”

12Look at them--the wicked! They are always at ease, and they increase their wealth.

12Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.

13Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?

13Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?

14For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.

14I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.

15If I had decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed your people.

15If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people.

16When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless

16So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!

17until I entered God's sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.

17Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.

18Indeed, you put them in slippery places; you make them fall into ruin.

18Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.

19How suddenly they become a desolation! They come to an end, swept away by terrors.

19In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.

20Like one waking from a dream, Lord, when arising, you will despise their image.

20When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

21When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded,

21Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.

22I was stupid and didn't understand; I was an unthinking animal toward you.

22I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

23Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand.

23Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.

24You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me up in glory.

24You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.

25Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you.

25Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.

26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.

26My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

27Those far from you will certainly perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

27Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.

28But as for me, God's presence is my good. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.

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.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.