1
A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart.
2
But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3
For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4
For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm.
5
They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they plagued like [other] men.
6
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment.
7
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression: they speak loftily.
9
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10
Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full [cup] are wrung out to them.
11
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12
Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.
13
Verily I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14
For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15
If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children.
16
When I thought to know this, it [was] too painful for me;
17
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] understood I their end.
18
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19
How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20
As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22
So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee.
23
Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand.
24
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.
25
Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.
26
My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27
For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
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 thy works.
