1A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, to the pure of heart. 2And I, my foot had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. 3For I was jealous of the proud, [when] I saw the peace of the wicked. 4For [there are] no bands in their death; but their strength [is] fat. 5They [are] not in trouble [like other] men; neither are they plagued like other men. 6Therefore pride enchains them; violence covers them [like] a robe. 7Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than the heart could imagine. 8They scoff and speak in malice of cruelty; from on high they speak. 9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. 10Therefore His people return here, and waters of a full [cup are] wrung out to them. 11And they say, How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High? 12Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who are at ease in the world; they increase [in] riches. 13Surely I have made my heart pure [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocence. 14For all the day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning. 15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I would deceive a generation of Your sons. 16When I thought deeply in order to understand this, it [was] painful for me, 17until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] I understood their end. 18Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down into ruin. 19How have they been [brought] into grief, as in a moment! They are fully eaten up with terrors, 20like a dream when [one] awakens; so, O LORD, when You awake, You shall despise their image. 21For my heart was grieved and I was pricked [in] my reins. 22So foolish [was] I, and I did not know; I was [like] a beast before You. 23But I [am] always with You; You have held [me] by my right hand. 24You shall lead me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory. 25Whom have I in Heaven? And besides You I desire none on earth. 26My flesh and my heart fail; [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my part forever. 27For lo, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all who go lusting away from You. 28And 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.