1 A psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. |
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. |
3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. |
5 They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. |
6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. |
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. |
8 They scoff, and speak with malice; in their 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 can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" |
12 This is what the wicked are like--always carefree, they increase in wealth. |
13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. |
14 All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. |
15 If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children. |
16 When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me |
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 As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O 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. |
24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. |
25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. |
26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. |
27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. |
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. |