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.
suet
στέατος
steatos
disposition
διάθεσιν
diathesin
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.
