A psalm by Asaph.
1Certainly God is good to Israel,and to those whose motives are pure!
2But as for me, my feet almost slipped;my feet almost slid out from under me.
3For I envied those who are proud,as I observed the prosperity of the wicked.
4For they suffer no pain;their bodies are strong and well-fed.
5They are immune to the trouble common to men;they do not suffer as other men do.
6Arrogance is their necklace,and violence their clothing.
7Their prosperity causes them to do wrong;their thoughts are sinful.
8They mock and say evil things;they proudly threaten violence.
9They speak as if they rule in heaven,and lay claim to the earth.
10Therefore they have more than enough food to eat,and even suck up the water of the sea.
11They say, “How does God know what we do?Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?”
12Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like,those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer.
13I concluded, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pureand maintained a pure lifestyle.
14I suffer all day long,and am punished every morning.”
15If I had publicized these thoughts,I would have betrayed your loyal followers.
16When I tried to make sense of this,it was troubling to me.
17Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple,and understood the destiny of the wicked.
18Surely you put them in slippery places;you bring them down to ruin.
19How desolate they become in a mere moment!Terrifying judgments make their demise complete!
20They are like a dream after one wakes up.O Lord, when you awake you will despise them.
21Yes, my spirit was bitter,and my insides felt sharp pain.
22I was ignorant and lacked insight;I was as senseless as an animal before you.
23But I am continually with you;you hold my right hand.
24You guide me by your wise advice,and then you will lead me to a position of honor.
25Whom do I have in heaven but you?I desire no one but you on earth.
26My flesh and my heart may grow weak,but God always protects my heart and gives me stability.
27Yes, look! Those far from you die;you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you.
28But as for me, God’s presence is all I need.I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter,as I declare all the things you have done.