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[1]TRULY God is good to Israel, and to those who are pure in heart.
[2]But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
[3]For I was envious of the wicked when I saw the prosperity of the ungodly.
[4]For there is no end to their death, and their folly is great.
[5]They share not in the toil of men; neither are they scourged like other men.
[6]Therefore pride holds them fast; they have concealed their wickedness and ungodliness.
[7]Their iniquity comes through like grease; they do according to the evil dictates of the heart.
[8]They imagine and speak evil things: they talk unjustly against the most High.
[9]They have set their mouths in the sky, but their tongues drag in the dirt;
[10]Therefore will my people return hither, and they shall have everything in abundance.
[11]They shall say, How does God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
[12]Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they are strong in power.
[13]As for me, I have cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocence.
[14]All the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
[15]If I say, I shall do as they do, this is sinful for me.
[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]Thou didst appoint their portion according to their deceitfulness; thou didst cast them down when they exalted themselves.
[19]How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
[20]As one who awakes from a dream, so, O LORD, thou shalt despise their idolatry.
[21]Thus my heart was grieved, and my conscience troubled me.
[22]So foolish was I, and ignorant; I was as a beast before thee.
[23]Thou shalt comfort me with thy counsel, and lead me according to thy honour.
[24]Whom have I in heaven but thee? and whom have I desired upon earth besides thee?
[25]Nevertheless I am continually with thee; thou hast held me by my right hand.
[26]My flesh and my heart fail; 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 astray from thee.
[28]I was pleased to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the LORD God, that I mar declare all thy works.
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