1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. [^1]5 They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity "; their evil imaginations have no limits.8 They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. [^3]11 They say, "How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?"12 This is what the wicked are like — always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.14 All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.15 If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.16 When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!20 They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

1 Intellectus Asaph. [Ut quid, Deus, repulisti in finem,iratus est furor tuus super oves pascu tu ?2 Memor esto congregationis tu,quam possedisti ab initio.Redemisti virgam hreditatis tu,mons Sion, in quo habitasti in eo.3 Leva manus tuas in superbias eorum in finem :quanta malignatus est inimicus in sancto !4 Et gloriati sunt qui oderunt te in medio solemnitatis tu ;posuerunt signa sua, signa :5 et non cognoverunt sicut in exitu super summum.Quasi in silva lignorum securibus6 exciderunt januas ejus in idipsum ;in securi et ascia dejecerunt eam.7 Incenderunt igni sanctuarium tuum ;in terra polluerunt tabernaculum nominis tui.8 Dixerunt in corde suo cognatio eorum simul :Quiescere faciamus omnes dies festos Dei a terra.9 Signa nostra non vidimus ;jam non est propheta ;et nos non cognoscet amplius.10 Usquequo, Deus, improperabit inimicus ?irritat adversarius nomen tuum in finem ?11 Ut quid avertis manum tuam,et dexteram tuam de medio sinu tuo in finem ?12 Deus autem rex noster ante scula :operatus est salutem in medio terr.13 Tu confirmasti in virtute tua mare ;contribulasti capita draconum in aquis.14 Tu confregisti capita draconis ;dedisti eum escam populis thiopum.15 Tu dirupisti fontes et torrentes ;tu siccasti fluvios Ethan.16 Tuus est dies, et tua est nox ;tu fabricatus es auroram et solem.17 Tu fecisti omnes terminos terr ;statem et ver tu plasmasti ea.18 Memor esto hujus : inimicus improperavit Domino,et populus insipiens incitavit nomen tuum.19 Ne tradas bestiis animas confitentes tibi,et animas pauperum tuorum ne obliviscaris in finem.20 Respice in testamentum tuum,quia repleti sunt qui obscurati sunt terr domibus iniquitatum.21 Ne avertatur humilis factus confusus ;pauper et inops laudabunt nomen tuum.22 Exsurge, Deus, judica causam tuam ;memor esto improperiorum tuorum,eorum qu ab insipiente sunt tota die.23 Ne obliviscaris voces inimicorum tuorum :superbia eorum qui te oderunt ascendit semper.]