A Psalm of Asaph.

1Truly God is good to Israel, even to those who are pure of heart.

2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped,

3For I was envious at the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked,

4For there are no pangs in their death, and their strength is firm.

5They are not in trouble like other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.

7Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than the heart could wish for.

8They scoff and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.

10Therefore waters of abundance are drunk by them.

11And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?"

12Behold, these are the wicked, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

13Surely I have made my heart pure in vain and washed my hands in innocence,

14For all the day long I have been plagued and chastened every morning.

15If I say, "I will speak thus;" behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children.

16When I thought to understand this, it was too painful for me

17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.

18Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down into destruction.

19How have they been brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors,

20Like a dream when one awakens; so, O LORD, when You awake, You shall despise their image,

21For thus my heart was grieved and I was pricked in my reins.

22So foolish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.

23Nevertheless I am always with You; You have held me by my right hand.

24You shall guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

25Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You I desire none upon earth.

26My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever,

27For lo, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all who go awhoring from You.

28And me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the LORD God my refuge, that I may declare all Your works.