7. From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; their evil imaginations have no limits.
8. They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
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.
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, they go on amassing wealth.
13. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.
14. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.
15. If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.
16. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply
17. till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
18. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
19. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
20. They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
21. When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
22. I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
23. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.