NET Bible | Christian Standard Bible |
1A psalm by Asaph. Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure! | 1God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart. |
2But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slid out from under me. | 2But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray. |
3For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked. | 3For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
4For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well-fed. | 4They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed. |
5They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do. | 5They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people. |
6Arrogance is their necklace, and violence their clothing. | 6Therefore, pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment. |
7Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful. | 7Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. |
8They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence. | 8They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression. |
9They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth. | 9They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth. |
10Therefore they have more than enough food to eat, and even suck up the water of the sea. | 10Therefore his people turn to them and drink in their overflowing words. |
11They say, "How does God know what we do? Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?" | 11The wicked say, "How can God know? Does the Most High know everything?" |
12Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like, those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer. | 12Look at them--the wicked! They are always at ease, and they increase their wealth. |
13I concluded, "Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. | 13Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing? |
14I suffer all day long, and am punished every morning." | 14For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. |
15If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your loyal followers. | 15If I had decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed your people. |
16When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me. | 16When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless |
17Then I entered the precincts of God's temple, and understood the destiny of the wicked. | 17until I entered God's sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny. |
18Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin. | 18Indeed, you put them in slippery places; you make them fall into ruin. |
19How desolate they become in a mere moment! Terrifying judgments make their demise complete! | 19How suddenly they become a desolation! They come to an end, swept away by terrors. |
20They are like a dream after one wakes up. O Lord, when you awake you will despise them. | 20Like one waking from a dream, Lord, when arising, you will despise their image. |
21Yes, my spirit was bitter, and my insides felt sharp pain. | 21When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded, |
22I was ignorant and lacked insight; I was as senseless as an animal before you. | 22I was stupid and didn't understand; I was an unthinking animal toward you. |
23But I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. | 23Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand. |
24You guide me by your wise advice, and then you will lead me to a position of honor. | 24You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me up in glory. |
25Whom do I have in heaven but you? I desire no one but you on earth. | 25Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you. |
26My flesh and my heart may grow weak, but God always protects my heart and gives me stability. | 26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever. |
27Yes, look! Those far from you die; you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you. | 27Those far from you will certainly perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. |
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. | 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. |
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