8. They scoff and spout their malice;from on high they utter threats.
9. They set their mouths against the heavens,their tongues roam the earth.
10. So my people turn to themand drink deeply of their words.
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,