11. They say, “Does God really know?”“Does the Most High have any knowledge?”
12. Such, then, are the wicked,always carefree, increasing their wealth.
13. Is it in vain that I have kept my heart pure,washed my hands in innocence?
14. For I am afflicted day after day,chastised every morning.
15. Had I thought, “I will speak as they do,”I would have betrayed this generation of your children.
16. Though I tried to understand all this,it was too difficult for me,
17. Till I entered the sanctuary of Godand came to understand their end.
18. You set them, indeed, on a slippery road;you hurl them down to ruin.
19. How suddenly they are devastated;utterly undone by disaster!
20. They are like a dream after waking, Lord,dismissed like shadows when you arise.
21. Since my heart was embitteredand my soul deeply wounded,
22. I was stupid and could not understand;I was like a brute beast in your presence.
23. Yet I am always with you;you take hold of my right hand.
24. With your counsel you guide me,and at the end receive me with honor.