| |
|
A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. |
|
But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. |
|
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
|
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. |
|
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. |
|
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. |
|
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. |
|
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. |
|
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. |
|
Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. |
|
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? |
|
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. |
|
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. |
|
For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. |
|
If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. |
|
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; |
|
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. |
|
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. |
|
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. |
|
As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. |
|
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. |
|
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. |
|
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. |
|
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. |
|
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. |
|
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. |
|
For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. |
|
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. |