1A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, Even to such as are pure in heart.
2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; My steps had nearly slipped.
3For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4For there are no pangs in their death; But their strength is firm.
5They are not in trouble as other men; Nor are they plagued like other men.
6Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck; Violence covers them as a garment.
7Their eyes stand out with fatness: They have more than heart could wish.
8They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression: They speak loftily.
9They have set their mouth in the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.
10Therefore his people return here: And waters of a full cup are drained by them.
11And they say, How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?
12Behold, these are the wicked; And, being always at ease, they increase in riches.
13Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart, And washed my hands in innocence;
14For all the day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning.
15If I had said, I will speak thus; Behold, I would have dealt treacherously with the generation of your children.
16When I thought how I might know this, It was too painful for me;
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God, And considered their latter end.
18Surely you set them in slippery places: You cast them down to destruction.
19How they have become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20As a dream when one awakes, So, O Lord, when you awake, you will despise their image.
21For my soul was grieved, And I was pricked in my heart:
22So brutish was I, and ignorant; I was as a beast before you.
23Nevertheless I am continually with you: You have held my right hand.
24You will guide me with your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.
25Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is none upon earth whom I desire besides you.
26My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish: You have destroyed all those who play the prostitute, departing from you.
28But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have made the Lord Yehovah my refuge, That I may tell of all your works.