A song of Asaph.

A Plea for Deliverance

1God is indeed good to Israel,

to those pure in heart.

2Now as for me, my feet nearly stumbled,

as I almost lost my step.

3For I was envious of the proud

when I observed the prosperity of the wicked.

4For there is no struggle at their deaths,

and their bodies are healthy.

5They do not experience problems common to ordinary people;

they aren’t afflicted as othersa are.

6Therefore pride is their necklace

and violence covers them like a garment.

7Their eyes bulge from obesity

and the imaginations of their mind cross the border into sin.b

8In their mockery they speak evil;

from their arrogant position they speak oppression.

9They choose to speakc against heaven;

while they talk about things on earth.

10Therefore God’sd people return there

and drink it all in like water until they’re satiated.

11Then they say,

“How can God know?

Does the Most High have knowledge?”

12Just look at these wicked people!

They’re perpetually carefree

as they increase their wealth.

13I kept my heart pure for nothing

and kept my hands clean from guilt.

14For I suffer all day long

and I am punished every morning.

15If I say, “I will talk like this,”

I would betray a generation of your children.

16When I tried to understand this,

it was too difficult for me

17until I entered the sanctuaries of God.

Then I understood their destiny.

18You have certainly set them in slippery places;

you will make them fall to their ruin.

19How desolate they quickly become,

completely destroyed by calamities.

20Like a dream when one awakens, Lord,

you will despise their image when you arise.

21When I chose to be bitter

I was emotionally pained.

22Then, I was too stupid

and didn’t realize I was acting likee a wild animal with you.

23But now I am always with you,

for you keep holding my right hand.

24You will guide me with your wise advice,

and later you will receive me with honor.

25Whom do I have in heaven but you?

I desire nothing on this f earth.

26My body and mind may fail,

but God is my strengthg and my portion forever.

27Those far from you will perish;

you will destroy those who are unfaithful to you.

28As for me, how good for me it is that God is near!

I have made the Lord GOD my refuge

so I can tell about all your deeds.