| Berean Study Bible | NET Bible |
| 1A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. | 1A psalm by Asaph. Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure! |
| 2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. | 2But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slid out from under me. |
| 3For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. | 3For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked. |
| 4They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. | 4For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well-fed. |
| 5They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. | 5They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do. |
| 6Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them. | 6Arrogance is their necklace, and violence their clothing. |
| 7From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. | 7Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful. |
| 8They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. | 8They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence. |
| 9They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. | 9They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth. |
| 10So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance. | 10Therefore they have more than enough food to eat, and even suck up the water of the sea. |
| 11The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” | 11They say, "How does God know what we do? Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?" |
| 12Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth. | 12Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like, those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer. |
| 13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. | 13I concluded, "Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. |
| 14For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. | 14I suffer all day long, and am punished every morning." |
| 15If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children. | 15If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your loyal followers. |
| 16When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight | 16When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me. |
| 17until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end. | 17Then I entered the precincts of God's temple, and understood the destiny of the wicked. |
| 18Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. | 18Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin. |
| 19How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! | 19How desolate they become in a mere moment! Terrifying judgments make their demise complete! |
| 20Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. | 20They are like a dream after one wakes up. O Lord, when you awake you will despise them. |
| 21When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within, | 21Yes, my spirit was bitter, and my insides felt sharp pain. |
| 22I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. | 22I was ignorant and lacked insight; I was as senseless as an animal before you. |
| 23Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. | 23But I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. |
| 24You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory. | 24You guide me by your wise advice, and then you will lead me to a position of honor. |
| 25Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. | 25Whom do I have in heaven but you? I desire no one but you on earth. |
| 26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. | 26My flesh and my heart may grow weak, but God always protects my heart and gives me stability. |
| 27Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. | 27Yes, look! Those far from you die; you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you. |
| 28But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works. | 28But as for me, God's presence is all I need. I have made the sovereign LORD my shelter, as I declare all the things you have done. |
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