1<b>A Psalm by Asaph.</b> Indeed, God is good to Israel, to those who have pure hearts.
2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled. My steps had nearly slipped.
3For I envied the arrogant when I saw how successful the wicked were.
4They do not struggle when they die; their bodies are strong and healthy.
5They are not burdened like other people, nor do they suffer like everyone else.
6So pride is like a necklace around their necks, and violence covers them like clothing.
7They are so successful their eyes bulge; their thoughts are filled with excessive fantasies.
8They mock and speak with evil intentions; in their arrogance, they threaten to oppress others.
9They speak as if they control heaven, and their words spread across the earth.
10Therefore, their people turn to them and drink in their abundant words.
11They say, "How would God know? Does the Most High have any knowledge?"
12Look, these are the wicked; they live in comfort and grow richer.
13Surely I have cleaned my heart for no reason and washed my hands to show my innocence for nothing,
14Because I have been afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
15If I had said, "I will speak like that," I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
16When I tried to understand all this, it was too difficult for me,
17Until I went into God's holy place; then I understood what would happen to them in the end.
18Indeed, you place them in slippery positions; you cause them to fall to their destruction.
19How suddenly they are ruined! They are completely swept away by terror.
20Lord, when you awaken, you will despise their illusions, like a dream that disappears when one wakes up.
21Because my spirit was bitter, and my heart was deeply pained.
22I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a senseless animal before you.
23Despite everything, I am always with you; you have held my right hand.
24You will guide me with your advice, and afterward you will welcome me into glory.
25Who do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth I desire more than you.
26My body and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27Look, those who are far from you will die. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.
28But it is good for me to be near God. I have made the Lord Yahweh my safe place, so I can tell about all your works.