4For there are no [a]pangs in their death,
But their strength is firm.
5They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like other men.
6Therefore pride serves as their necklace;
Violence covers them like a garment.
7Their [b]eyes bulge with abundance;
They have more than heart could wish.
8They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression;
They speak [c]loftily.
9They set their mouth against the heavens,
And their tongue walks through the earth.

10Therefore his people return here,
And waters of a full cup are drained by them.
11And they say, “How does God know?
And is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12Behold, these are the ungodly,
Who are always at ease;
They increase in riches.
13Surely I have [d]cleansed my heart in vain,
And washed my hands in innocence.
14For all day long I have been plagued,
And chastened every morning.

15If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
16When I thought how to understand this,
It was [e]too painful for me—
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
Then I understood their end.

18Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20As a dream when one awakes,
So, Lord, when You awake,
You shall despise their image.

21Thus my heart was grieved,
And I was [f]vexed in my mind.
22I was so foolish and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
23Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You hold me by my right hand.
24You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.

25Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the [g]strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish;
You have destroyed all those who [h]desert You for harlotry.
28But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may declare all Your works.