| 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. | |