1. A psalm of Asaph. God is truly good to Israel, to those whose heart is pure.
2. As for me, my feet had almost strayed, my steps were nearly led off course,
3. for I envied the wanton; I saw the wicked at ease.
4. Death has no pangs for them; their body is healthy.
5. They have no part in the travail of men; they are not afflicted like the rest of mankind.
6. So pride adorns their necks, lawlessness enwraps them as a mantle.
7. Fat shuts out their eyes; their fancies are extravagant.
8. They scoff and plan evil; from their eminence they plan wrongdoing.
9. They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues range over the earth.
10. So they pound His people again and again, until they are drained of their very last tear.
11. Then they say, "How could God know? Is there knowledge with the Most High?"
12. Such are the wicked; ever tranquil, they amass wealth.
13. It was for nothing that I kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence,
14. seeing that I have been constantly afflicted, that each morning brings new punishments.
15. Had I decided to say these things, I should have been false to the circle of Your disciples.
16. So I applied myself to understand this, but it seemed a hopeless task
17. till I entered God's sanctuary and reflected on their fate.
18. You surround them with flattery; You make them fall through blandishments.
19. How suddenly are they ruined, wholly swept away by terrors.
20. When You are aroused You despise their image, as one does a dream after waking, O LORD.
21. My mind was stripped of its reason, my feelings were numbed.
22. I was a dolt, without knowledge; I was brutish toward You.
23. Yet I was always with You, You held my right hand;
24. You guided me by Your counsel and led me toward honor.
25. Whom else have I in heaven? And having You, I want no one on earth.
26. My body and mind fail; but God is the stay of my mind, my portion forever.
27. Those who keep far from You perish; You annihilate all who are untrue to You.
28. As for me, nearness to God is good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may recount all Your works.
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