² But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;^(A)
    I had nearly lost my foothold.^(B)
3 For I envied^(C) the arrogant
    when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.^(D)

⁴ They have no struggles;
    their bodies are healthy and strong.^[a]
5 They are free^(E) from common human burdens;
    they are not plagued by human ills.
⁶ Therefore pride^(F) is their necklace;^(G)
    they clothe themselves with violence.^(H)
7 From their callous hearts^(I) comes iniquity^[b];
    their evil imaginations have no limits.
⁸ They scoff, and speak with malice;^(J)
    with arrogance^(K) they threaten oppression.^(L)
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
    and their tongues take possession of the earth.
¹⁰ Therefore their people turn to them
    and drink up waters in abundance.^[c]
11 They say, “How would God know?
    Does the Most High know anything?”

¹² This is what the wicked are like—
    always free of care,^(M) they go on amassing wealth.^(N)

¹³ Surely in vain^(O) I have kept my heart pure
    and have washed my hands in innocence.^(P)
14 All day long I have been afflicted,^(Q)
    and every morning brings new punishments.