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

¹⁵ If I had spoken out like that,
    I would have betrayed your children.
¹⁶ When I tried to understand^(A) all this,
    it troubled me deeply
¹⁷ till I entered the sanctuary^(B) of God;
    then I understood their final destiny.^(C)

¹⁸ Surely you place them on slippery ground;^(D)
    you cast them down to ruin.^(E)
19 How suddenly^(F) are they destroyed,
    completely swept away^(G) by terrors!
²⁰ They are like a dream^(H) when one awakes;^(I)
    when you arise, Lord,
    you will despise them as fantasies.^(J)

²¹ When my heart was grieved
    and my spirit embittered,
²² I was senseless^(K) and ignorant;
    I was a brute beast^(L) before you.

²³ Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.^(M)
24 You guide^(N) me with your counsel,^(O)
    and afterward you will take me into glory.
²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you?^(P)
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.^(Q)
26 My flesh and my heart^(R) may fail,^(S)
    but God is the strength^(T) of my heart
    and my portion^(U) forever.