1BOOK III A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, even to such as are pure in heart.

2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3For I was envious at the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4For there are no pangs at their death, and their body is sound.

5In the trouble of man they are not; neither are they plagued like men.

6Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck; violence covereth them as a garment.

7Their eyes stand forth from fatness; they are gone beyond the imaginations of their heart.

8They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression; they speak as if there were none on high.

9They have set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10Therefore His people return hither; and waters of fullness are drained out by them.

11And they say: 'How doth God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?'

12Behold, such are the wicked; and they that are always at ease increase riches.

13Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocency;

14For all the day have I been plagued, and my chastisement came every morning.

15If I had said: 'I will speak thus', behold, I had been faithless to the generation of Thy children.

16And when I pondered how I might know this, it was wearisome in mine eyes;

17Until I entered into the sanctuary of God, and considered their end.

18Surely Thou settest them in slippery places; Thou hurlest them down to utter ruin.

19How are they become a desolation in a moment! They are wholly consumed by terrors.

20As a dream when one awaketh, so, O Lord, when Thou arousest Thyself, Thou wilt despise their semblance.

21For my heart was in a ferment, and I was pricked in my reins.

22But I was brutish, and ignorant; I was as a beast before Thee.

23Nevertheless I am continually with Thee; Thou holdest my right hand.

24Thou wilt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me with glory.

25Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And beside Thee I desire none upon earth.

26My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the rock of my heart and my portion for ever.

27For, lo, they that go far from Thee shall perish; Thou dost destroy all them that go astray from Thee.

28But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Thy works.