God is surely good to Israel
2
(1) Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. (2) But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
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For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
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They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.
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They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.
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Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.
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From their prosperity proceeds iniquity;(a) the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
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They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
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They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.
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So their people (b) return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.
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The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”
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Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth.
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Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.
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For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
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If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.
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When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight
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until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.
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Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.
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How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
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Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
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When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,
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I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.
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Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.
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You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.
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Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.
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My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength (c) of my heart and my portion forever.
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Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
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But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.
Footnotes