A Psalm of Asaph.
Truly God
is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean
heart.
02 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my
steps had well nigh slipped.
03 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw
the prosperity of the wicked.
04 For there are no bands in their death: but
their strength is firm.
05 They are not in trouble as other men; neither
are they plagued like other men.
06 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a
chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
07 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have
more than heart could wish.
08 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly
concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
09 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 innocency.
14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and
chastened every morning.
15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should
offend against the generation of thy children.
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16 When I thought to know this, it was too
painful for me;
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then
understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places:
thou castedst 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 shalt 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 holden me by my right hand.
24 Thou shalt 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 beside 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 a
whoring 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.
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