Read the Bible

¹ God is indeed good to Israel,
to the pure in heart.^(b)
2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
my steps nearly went astray.^(c)
3 For I envied the arrogant;
I saw the prosperity of the wicked.^(d)

⁴ They have an easy time until they die,^[a]
and their bodies are well fed.^[b](e)
5 They are not in trouble like others;
they are not afflicted like most people.^(f)
6 Therefore, pride is their necklace,
and violence covers them like a garment.^(g)
7 Their eyes bulge out from fatness;
the imaginations of their hearts run wild.^(h)
8 They mock, and they speak maliciously;
they arrogantly threaten oppression.^(i)
9 They set their mouths against heaven,
and their tongues strut across the earth.^(j)
10 Therefore His people turn to them^[c]
and drink in their overflowing words.^[d](k)
11 The wicked say, "How can God know?
Does the Most High know everything?"^(l)
12 Look at them—the wicked!
They are always at ease,
and they increase their wealth.^(m)

¹³ Did I purify my heart
and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?^(n)
14 For I am afflicted all day long
and punished every morning.^(o)
15 If I had decided to say these things aloud,
I would have betrayed Your people.^[e](p)
16 When I tried to understand all this,
it seemed hopeless^[f](q)
17 until I entered God's sanctuary.
Then I understood their destiny.^(r)
18 Indeed, You put them in slippery places;
You make them fall into ruin.^(s)
19 How suddenly they become a desolation!
They come to an end, swept away by terrors.^(t)
20 Like one waking from a dream,
Lord, when arising, You will despise their image.^(u)

²¹ When I became embittered
and my innermost being^[g] was wounded,^(v)
22 I was stupid and didn't understand;
I was an unthinking animal toward You.^(w)
23 Yet I am always with You;
You hold my right hand.^(x)
24 You guide me with Your counsel,
and afterward You will take me up in glory.^[h](y)
25 Who do I have in heaven but You?
And I desire nothing on earth but You.^(z)
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength^[i] of my heart,
my portion forever.^(aa)
27 Those far from You will certainly perish;
You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.^(ab)
28 But 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.^(ac)