| 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 afflicted like other men. |
| 6 | Therefore pride encompasseth them 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 innocence. |
| 14 | For all the day long have I been afflicted, 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 I understood their end. |
| 18 | Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou didst cast 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 wilt 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 held me by my right hand. |
| 24 | Thou wilt 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 besides 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 astray 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. |
