A Psalm of Asaph
The Wicked Prosper Only For a Time

1Truly 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 nearly slipped.

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

4For there are no pains in their death: but their strength is firm.

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

6Therefore pride surrounds them as a chain; violence covers them as a garment.

7Their eyes stand out with abundance: 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 walks through the earth.

10Therefore his people return here: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11And they say, How does 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 plagued, and chastened every morning.

15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of your children.

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

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

18Surely you did set them in slippery places: you 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 awakes; so, O Lord, when you awake, you shall despise their image.

21Thus my soul was grieved, and I was pierced in my heart.

22So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before you.

23Nevertheless I am continually 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 there is none upon earth that I desire besides you.

26My flesh and my heart fails: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.

27For, lo, they that are far from you shall perish: you have destroyed all them that go after idols, departing from you.

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 your works.