1.
Surely God is good to those whose hearts are pure;
there is no doubt about His goodness.
Yet when I saw wicked people prospering,
my heart almost stumbled and I became troubled.

2.
They seem to have no pain or suffering;
their bodies are healthy and strong.
They wear pride like a necklace
and carry themselves arrogantly,
boasting about their wealth and success.

3.
Their eyes are full of abundance—
do they not seem to have everything they desire?
But I thought to myself,
“Was it all for nothing that I kept my hands clean
and lived a blameless life?”
It seemed completely useless.

4.
When I thought this foolish thought
and was tempted to speak it aloud,
I realized that I would be betraying
the faith of God's people
and causing great harm to those who came after me.

5.
Then I tried to understand
what the future of these people would be.
When I entered God's sanctuary
and considered their final destiny,
I came to understand their end.
My confusion disappeared,
and my mistaken thinking came to an end.

6.
I remain close to You, O Lord;
You hold my right hand.
You guide me with Your wise counsel,
lead me in the path of goodness,
and afterward You will bring me into heaven.
Then all my troubles will be over.

7.
Whom do I have in heaven but You?
And on earth, there is no one else I truly desire.
You alone are my everlasting Rock
and my inheritance, O Lord of all.
You alone are everything to me.
Praise be to You!

8.
Those who turn away from You will perish;
You will destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
But as for me, it is good to remain near God.
I will make the Sovereign Lord my refuge
and proclaim all that You have done.
You are worthy of all praise—
the One worthy of praise above all!