1. A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart.
2. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3. For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4. For [there are] no bands in their death but their strength [is] firm.
5. They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they afflicted like [other] men.
6. Therefore pride encompasseth them as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment.
7. Their eyes stand out with fatness they have more than heart could wish.
8. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression they speak loftily.
9. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10. Therefore his people return hither and waters of a full [cup] are wrung out to them.
11. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?
12. Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.
13. Verily I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocence.
14. For all the day long have I been afflicted, and chastened every morning.
15. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children.
16. When I thought to know this, it [was] too painful for me;
17. Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] I understood their end.
18. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places thou didst cast them down into destruction.
19. How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20. As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou wilt despise their image.
21. Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22. So foolish [was] I, and ignorant I was [as] a beast before thee.
23. Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee thou hast held [me] by my right hand.
24. Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.
25. Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire besides thee.
26. My flesh and my heart faileth [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27. For lo, they that are far from thee shall perish thou hast destroyed all them that go astray from thee.
28. But [it is] good for me to draw near to God I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.