Whom Have I in Heaven but You?

Verses 1–16 · envy and nearly slipping from faith

1. ^{verse 1}Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2. ^{verse 2}But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
3. ^{verse 3}For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4. ^{verse 4}They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.
5. ^{verse 5}They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.
6. ^{verse 6}Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.
7. ^{verse 7}From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
8. ^{verse 8}They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9. ^{verse 9}They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.
10. ^{verse 10}So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.
11. ^{verse 11}The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”
12. ^{verse 12}Behold, these are the wicked — always carefree as they increase their wealth.
13. ^{verse 13}Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.
14. ^{verse 14}For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
15. ^{verse 15}If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.
16. ^{verse 16}When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight

Verses 17–28 · God as my portion forever

1. ^{verse 17}until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.
2. ^{verse 18}Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.
3. ^{verse 19}How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
4. ^{verse 20}Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
5. ^{verse 21}When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,
6. ^{verse 22}I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.
7. ^{verse 23}Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.
8. ^{verse 24}You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.
9. ^{verse 25}Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.
10. ^{verse 26}My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
11. ^{verse 27}Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
12. ^{verse 28}But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.