✧A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. ✧2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. ✧3For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. ✧4They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. ✧5They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. ✧6Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them. ✧7From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. ✧8They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. ✧9They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. ✧10So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance. ✧11The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” ✧12Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth. ✧13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. ✧14For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. ✧15If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children. ✧16When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight ✧17until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end. ✧18Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. ✧19How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! ✧20Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. ✧21When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within, ✧22I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. ✧23Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. ✧24You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory. ✧25Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. ✧26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. ✧27Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. ✧28But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.