1A psalm by Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, to the pure of heart.
2But as for me, my feet nearly strayed; in an instant my steps would have been swept aside.
3For I envied the revelers when I saw the tranquility of the wicked.
4For there are no bonds1 to their death, and their health is sound.
5They have no part in the toil of men, nor are they afflicted like other mortals;
6therefore they wear pride as a necklace; their bodies are enwrapped in violence.
7Their eyes bulge from fat; they surpassed the fantasies of their heart.
8They consume [others], and talk wickedly of oppression-from on high do they speak.
9They set their mouths against Heaven, while their tongues walk upon the earth.
10Therefore His people return here,2 and suck the full [cup of bitter] waters.
11And they say, "How can it be that God knows? Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12Behold these are the wicked, and they are ever tranquil, they have gained much wealth.
13Surely in vain have I purified my heart, and washed my hands in cleanliness;
14for I was afflicted all day, and my rebuke came each morning.
15Were I to say, "I shall tell it like it is," behold I would turn the generation of Your children to rebels.
16And when I pondered to understand this, it was unjust in my eyes;
17until I came to the sanctuaries of God, and perceived their end.
18Only on slippery places do You set them, You cast them into darkness.
19How they have become desolate in an instant! They came to an end, they were consumed by terrors,
20like a dream upon awakening. O my Lord, disgrace their image in the city.
21When my heart was in ferment, and my mind was sharpened,
22I was a boor and did not understand, like an animal was I with You.
23Yet I was always with You; You held my right hand.
24Guide me with Your counsel, and afterward, receive me with honor.
25Whom do I have in heaven [besides You]? And when I am with You I desire nothing on earth.
26My flesh and my heart yearn; God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever.
27For behold, all those who are far from You perish, You cut down all who stray from You.
28But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have put my trust in my Lord, God, that I may recount all Your works.