Christian Standard Bible

International Standard Version

1God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart.

1God is indeed good to Israel, to those pure in heart.

2But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.

2Now as for me, my feet nearly stumbled, as I almost lost my step.

3For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

3For I was envious of the proud when I observed the prosperity of the wicked.

4They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed.

4For there is no struggle at their deaths, and their bodies are healthy.

5They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people.

5They do not experience problems common to ordinary people; they aren't afflicted as others are.

6Therefore, pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment.

6Therefore pride is their necklace and violence covers them like a garment.

7Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.

7Their eyes bulge from obesity and the imaginations of their mind cross the border into sin.

8They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression.

8In their mockery they speak evil; from their arrogant position they speak oppression.

9They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth.

9They choose to speak against heaven; while they talk about things on earth.

10Therefore his people turn to them and drink in their overflowing words.

10Therefore God's people return there and drink it all in like water until they're satiated.

11The wicked say, "How can God know? Does the Most High know everything?"

11Then they say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"

12Look at them--the wicked! They are always at ease, and they increase their wealth.

12Just look at these wicked people! They're perpetually carefree as they increase their wealth.

13Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?

13I kept my heart pure for nothing and kept my hands clean from guilt.

14For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.

14For I suffer all day long and I am punished every morning.

15If I had decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed your people.

15If I say, "I will talk like this," I would betray a generation of your children.

16When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless

16When I tried to understand this, it was too difficult for me

17until I entered God's sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.

17until I entered the sanctuaries of God. Then I understood their destiny.

18Indeed, you put them in slippery places; you make them fall into ruin.

18You have certainly set them in slippery places; you will make them fall to their ruin.

19How suddenly they become a desolation! They come to an end, swept away by terrors.

19How desolate they quickly become, completely destroyed by calamities.

20Like one waking from a dream, Lord, when arising, you will despise their image.

20Like a dream when one awakens, Lord, you will despise their image when you arise.

21When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded,

21When I chose to be bitter I was emotionally pained.

22I was stupid and didn't understand; I was an unthinking animal toward you.

22Then, I was too stupid and didn't realize I was acting like a wild animal with you.

23Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand.

23But now I am always with you, for you keep holding my right hand.

24You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me up in glory.

24You will guide me with your wise advice, and later you will receive me with honor.

25Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you.

25Whom do I have in heaven but you? I desire nothing on this earth.

26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.

26My body and mind may fail, but God is my strength and my portion forever.

27Those far from you will certainly perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

27Those far from you will perish; you will destroy those who are unfaithful to you.

28But as for me, God's presence is my good. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.

28As for me, how good for me it is that God is near! I have made the Lord GOD my refuge so I can tell about all your deeds.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY.