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

3 For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm.

5 They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they plagued like [other] men.

6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression: they speak loftily.

9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full [cup] are wrung out to them.

11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

12 Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.

13 Verily I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

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

15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children.

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 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

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

20 As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

22 So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee.

23 Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand.

24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth: [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 a whoring from thee.

28 But [it is] good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.