Psalms

A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, to the pure of heart.

And I, my foot had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.

For I was jealous of the proud, [when] I saw the peace of the wicked.

For [there are] no bands in their death; but their strength [is] fat.

They [are] not in trouble [like other] men; neither are they plagued like other men.

Therefore pride enchains them; violence covers them [like] a robe.

Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than the heart could imagine.

They scoff and speak in malice of cruelty; from on high they speak.

They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.

Therefore His people return here, and waters of a full [cup are] wrung out to them.

And they say, How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?

Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who are at ease in the world; they increase [in] riches.

Surely I have made my heart pure [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocence.

For all the day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning.

If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I would deceive a generation of Your sons.

When I thought deeply in order to understand this, it [was] painful for me,

until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] I understood their end.

Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down into ruin.

How have they been [brought] into grief, as in a moment! They are fully eaten up with terrors,

like a dream when [one] awakens; so, O LORD, when You awake, You shall despise their image.

For my heart was grieved and I was pricked [in] my reins.

So foolish [was] I, and I did not know; I was [like] a beast before You.

But I [am] always with You; You have held [me] by my right hand.

You shall lead me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.

Whom have I in Heaven? And besides You I desire none on earth.

For lo, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all who go lusting away from You.

And I, [it is] good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the LORD God, to declare all Your works.