1 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are pure in heart.2 But as for me, my feet almost departed [from the way]; my steps had almost slipped.3 For I became angry against the foolish [when] I saw the peace of the wicked.4 Because [there is] no restraint that would bring about their death, but their strength [is] firm.5 They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they plagued like [other] men.6 Therefore they are crowned with pride; they cover themselves with violence [as] a garment.7 Their eyes stand out with fatness; they easily obtain the desires of their heart.8 They are lawless and speak wickedly [of doing] violence; they speak loftily.9 They set their mouth against heaven, and their tongue walks through the earth.10 Therefore his people shall return here; and waters of a full [cup] are wrung out to them.11 And they say, How does God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?12 Behold, these ungodly [men], without being troubled by the world obtain riches.13 Verily, in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency14 and been plagued all day long and chastened every morning:15 If I should say, I will speak as they [do]; behold, I should deny the generation of thy sons.16 I shall meditate that I might understand this; it [is very] hard for me to see.17 When I come into the sanctuary of God, [then] I shall understand their end.18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; in desolation thou shalt cause them to fall.19 How they are [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! They have come to an end; they are utterly consumed with terrors.20 As the dream of [one] who awakes; [so], O Lord, when thou shalt rise up, thou shalt despise their appearances.21 Truly my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my kidneys.22 But I [was] ignorant and did not understand; I was [as] a beast before thee.23 Nevertheless I [was] continually with thee; thou hast apprehended [me] by my right hand.24 Thou hast guided me with thy counsel, and afterward thou shalt receive me [unto] glory.25 Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? And apart from thee [there is] nothing upon the earth [that] I desire.26 My flesh and my heart fail; the strength of my heart [is] that God is my portion for ever.27 For, behold, those that stray from thee shall perish; thou dost cut off all those that go a whoring from thee.28 But [as for me], to draw near to God is good; I have put my hope in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.: