NET Bible | International Standard Version |
1A psalm by Asaph. Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure! | 1God is indeed good to Israel, to those pure in heart. |
2But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slid out from under me. | 2Now as for me, my feet nearly stumbled, as I almost lost my step. |
3For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked. | 3For I was envious of the proud when I observed the prosperity of the wicked. |
4For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well-fed. | 4For there is no struggle at their deaths, and their bodies are healthy. |
5They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do. | 5They do not experience problems common to ordinary people; they aren't afflicted as others are. |
6Arrogance is their necklace, and violence their clothing. | 6Therefore pride is their necklace and violence covers them like a garment. |
7Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful. | 7Their eyes bulge from obesity and the imaginations of their mind cross the border into sin. |
8They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence. | 8In their mockery they speak evil; from their arrogant position they speak oppression. |
9They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth. | 9They choose to speak against heaven; while they talk about things on earth. |
10Therefore they have more than enough food to eat, and even suck up the water of the sea. | 10Therefore God's people return there and drink it all in like water until they're satiated. |
11They say, "How does God know what we do? Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?" | 11Then they say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" |
12Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like, those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer. | 12Just look at these wicked people! They're perpetually carefree as they increase their wealth. |
13I concluded, "Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. | 13I kept my heart pure for nothing and kept my hands clean from guilt. |
14I suffer all day long, and am punished every morning." | 14For I suffer all day long and I am punished every morning. |
15If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your loyal followers. | 15If I say, "I will talk like this," I would betray a generation of your children. |
16When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me. | 16When I tried to understand this, it was too difficult for me |
17Then I entered the precincts of God's temple, and understood the destiny of the wicked. | 17until I entered the sanctuaries of God. Then I understood their destiny. |
18Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin. | 18You have certainly set them in slippery places; you will make them fall to their ruin. |
19How desolate they become in a mere moment! Terrifying judgments make their demise complete! | 19How desolate they quickly become, completely destroyed by calamities. |
20They are like a dream after one wakes up. O Lord, when you awake you will despise them. | 20Like a dream when one awakens, Lord, you will despise their image when you arise. |
21Yes, my spirit was bitter, and my insides felt sharp pain. | 21When I chose to be bitter I was emotionally pained. |
22I was ignorant and lacked insight; I was as senseless as an animal before you. | 22Then, I was too stupid and didn't realize I was acting like a wild animal with you. |
23But I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. | 23But now I am always with you, for you keep holding my right hand. |
24You guide me by your wise advice, and then you will lead me to a position of honor. | 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 no one but you on earth. | 25Whom do I have in heaven but you? I desire nothing on this earth. |
26My flesh and my heart may grow weak, but God always protects my heart and gives me stability. | 26My body and mind may fail, but God is my strength and my portion forever. |
27Yes, look! Those far from you die; you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you. | 27Those far from you will perish; you will destroy those who are 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. | 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. |
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