13. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?
14. I get nothing but trouble all day long;every morning brings me pain.
15. If I had really spoken this way to others,I would have been a traitor to your people.
16. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.But what a difficult task it is!
17. Then I went into your sanctuary, O God,and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
18. Truly, you put them on a slippery pathand send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.
19. In an instant they are destroyed,completely swept away by terrors.
20. When you arise, O Lord,you will laugh at their silly ideasas a person laughs at dreams in the morning.
21. Then I realized that my heart was bitter,and I was all torn up inside.
22. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
23. Yet I still belong to you;you hold my right hand.
24. You guide me with your counsel,leading me to a glorious destiny.
25. Whom have I in heaven but you?I desire you more than anything on earth.
26. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,but God remains the strength of my heart;he is mine forever.