Holman Christian Standard Bible | NET Bible |
1A psalm of Asaph. God is indeed good to Israel, to the 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 almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray. | 2But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slid out from under me. |
3For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. | 3For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked. |
4They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed. | 4For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well-fed. |
5They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people. | 5They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do. |
6Therefore, pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment. | 6Arrogance is their necklace, and violence their clothing. |
7Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. | 7Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful. |
8They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression. | 8They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence. |
9They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth. | 9They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth. |
10Therefore His people turn to them and drink in their overflowing words. | 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 know everything?" | 11They say, "How does God know what we do? Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?" |
12Look at them--the wicked! They are always at ease, and 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. |
13Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing? | 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 decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed Your people. | 15If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your loyal followers. |
16When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless | 16When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me. |
17until I entered God's sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny. | 17Then I entered the precincts of God's temple, and understood the destiny of the wicked. |
18Indeed, You put them in slippery places; You make them fall into ruin. | 18Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin. |
19How suddenly they become a desolation! They come to an end, swept away by terrors. | 19How desolate they become in a mere moment! Terrifying judgments make their demise complete! |
20Like one waking from a dream, Lord, when arising, You will despise their image. | 20They are like a dream after one wakes up. O Lord, when you awake you will despise them. |
21When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded, | 21Yes, my spirit was bitter, and my insides felt sharp pain. |
22I was stupid and didn't understand; I was an unthinking animal toward 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 afterward You will take me up in glory. | 24You guide me by your wise advice, and then you will lead me to a position of honor. |
25Who do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but 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, 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 certainly 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, God's presence is my good. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, so I can tell about all You do. | 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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