1 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. |
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. |
3 For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
4 For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. |
5 They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. |
6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. |
7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. |
8 They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily. |
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth. |
10 Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them. |
11 And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" |
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. |
13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. |
14 For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning. |
15 If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. |
16 When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me-- |
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. |
18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. |
19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. |
20 As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. |
21 Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. |
22 I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. |
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. |
24 You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. |
25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. |
26 My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. |
27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. |
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works. |