1
2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; My steps had well nigh slipped.
3For I was envious at the arrogant,
4For there are no pangs in their death; But their strength is firm.
5They are not in trouble as [other] men; Neither are they plagued like [other] men.
6Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck; Violence covereth them as a garment.
7Their eyes stand out with fatness:
8They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression:
9They have set their mouth in the heavens,
10Therefore his people return hither:
11And they say, How doth God know?
12Behold, these are the wicked; And, being alway at ease, they increase in riches.
13Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart,
14For all the day long have I been plagued,
15If I had said, I will speak thus; Behold, I had dealt treacherously with the generation of thy children.
16When I thought how I might know this,
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God,
18Surely thou settest them in slippery places:
19How are they become a desolation in a moment!
20As a dream when one awaketh,
21For my soul was grieved,
22So brutish was I, and ignorant; I was [as] a beast before thee.
23Nevertheless I am continually with thee:
24Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel,
25Whom have I in heaven [but thee]?
26My flesh and my heart faileth; [But] God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish:
28But it is good for me to draw near unto God: