Yet God is good to Israel, To each pure-hearted one. With me, my steps had nearly slipped, My feet were almost gone. For I was envious, and grudged The foolish ones to see, When I perceived the wicked men Enjoyed prosperity. Because their strength continues firm; Their death from bands is free. They are not toiled like other men, Nor plagued, as others be. Their pride doth therefore like a chain, Encompass them about; And, as a garment, violence Doth cover them throughout. Their eyes stand out with fat, they have More than their hearts could wish. They are corrupt; their talk of wrong Both lewd and lofty is. They set their mouth against the heav’ns In their blaspheming talk; And their reproaching tongue at large Throughout the earth doth walk. His people, therefore, oftentimes Look back, and turn about; And in abundance unto them The waters are poured out. And thus they say, How can it be That God these things doth know? Or, Can there in the Highest be Knowledge of things below? Behold, how these, the wicked ones, Do prosper at their will In worldly things; how they increase In wealth and riches still! I verily have sought in vain My heart to purify; And vainly also washed my hands In innocence have I. For daily, and all day throughout, Great plagues I suffered have; Yea, every morning I anew Did chastisement receive. If in this manner foolishly To speak I would intend, Thy children’s generation then Behold I should offend. When I this thought to know, it was Too hard a thing for me; Till to God’s holy place I went, Then I their end did see. Them set upon a slippery place Assuredly Thou hast; And suddenly didst Thou, O Lord, Them to destruction cast. How in a moment suddenly To ruin brought are they! With fearful terrors utterly They are consumed away. E’en like an empty dream when one From sleeping doth arise; So Thou, when Thou awakest, Lord, Their image shalt despise. Thus grieved within me was my heart, And me my reins oppressed: So rude was I, and ignorant, And in Thy sight a beast. Yet not withstanding this, O Lord, I ever am with Thee: Thou hast me held by my right hand, And still upholdest me. With Thy good counsel while I live, Thou wilt me safely guide; And into glory afterward Receive me to abide. O whom have I in heavens high But Thee, O Lord, alone? And in the earth whom I desire Besides Thee there is none. My flesh and heart do faint and fail, But God my heart sustains; The strength and portion of my heart He evermore remains. For, lo, they that are far from Thee Forever perish shall; And as for those who from Thee stray Thou hast destroyed them all. But surely it is good for me That I draw near to God: In God I trust, that all Thy works I may declare abroad.