1 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, to the pure of heart.2 And I, my foot had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.3 For I was jealous of the proud, [when] I saw the peace of the wicked.4 For [there are] no bands in their death; but their strength [is] fat.5 They [are] not in trouble [like other] men; neither are they plagued like other men.6 Therefore pride enchains them; violence covers them [like] a robe.7 Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than the heart could imagine.8 They scoff and speak in malice of cruelty; from on high they speak.9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.10 Therefore His people 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 [are] the ungodly, who are at ease in the world; they increase [in] riches.13 Surely I have made my heart pure [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocence.14 For all the day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning.15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I would deceive a generation of Your sons.16 When I thought deeply in order to understand this, it [was] painful for me,17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] I understood their end.18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down into ruin.19 How have they been [brought] into grief, as in a moment! They are fully eaten up with terrors,20 like a dream when [one] awakens; so, O LORD, when You awake, You shall despise their image.21 For my heart was grieved and I was pricked [in] my reins.22 So foolish [was] I, and I did not know; I was [like] a beast before You.23 But I [am] always with You; You have held [me] by my right hand.24 You shall lead me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.25 Whom have I in Heaven? And besides You I desire none on earth.26 My flesh and my heart fail; [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my part forever.27 For lo, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all who go lusting away from You.28 And I, [it is] good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the LORD God, to declare all Your works.