Israel's prayer book and ours — praise, lament, and trust for every season of the soul.
1[A Psalm of Asaph.] Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. of: or, forTruly: or, Yetof...: Heb. clean of heart2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.3For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.4For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. firm: Heb. fat5They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. in...: Heb. in the trouble of other menlike: Heb. with6Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.7Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. have...: Heb. pass the thoughts of the heart8They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.10Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.11And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?12Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.13Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.14For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. chastened: Heb. my chastisement was15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.16When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; too...: Heb. labour in mine eyes17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.20As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.21Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.22So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. ignorant: Heb. I knew notbefore Heb. with23Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.24Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.25Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.26My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. strength: Heb. rock27For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.28But 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.