1A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart.
2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm.
5They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they afflicted like [other] men.
6Therefore pride encompasseth them as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment.
7Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression: they speak loftily.
9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full [cup] are wrung out to them.
11And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?
12Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.
13Verily I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocence.
14For all the day long have I been afflicted, and chastened every morning.
15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children.
16When I thought to know this, it [was] too painful for me;
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] I understood their end.
18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou didst cast them down into destruction.
19How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou wilt despise their image.
21Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee.
23Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast held [me] by my right hand.
24Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.
25Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire besides thee.
26My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27For lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go astray from thee.
28But [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.