NET Bible | King James Bible |
1A psalm by Asaph. Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure! | 1A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. |
2But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slid out from under me. | 2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. |
3For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked. | 3For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
4For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well-fed. | 4For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. |
5They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do. | 5They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. |
6Arrogance is their necklace, and violence their clothing. | 6Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. |
7Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful. | 7Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. |
8They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence. | 8They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. |
9They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth. | 9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. |
10Therefore they have more than enough food to eat, and even suck up the water of the sea. | 10Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. |
11They say, "How does God know what we do? Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?" | 11And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? |
12Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like, those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer. | 12Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. |
13I concluded, "Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. | 13Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. |
14I suffer all day long, and am punished every morning." | 14For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. |
15If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your loyal followers. | 15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. |
16When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me. | 16When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; |
17Then I entered the precincts of God's temple, and understood the destiny of the wicked. | 17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. |
18Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin. | 18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. |
19How desolate they become in a mere moment! Terrifying judgments make their demise complete! | 19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. |
20They are like a dream after one wakes up. O Lord, when you awake you will despise them. | 20As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. |
21Yes, my spirit was bitter, and my insides felt sharp pain. | 21Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. |
22I was ignorant and lacked insight; I was as senseless as an animal before you. | 22So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. |
23But I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. | 23Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. |
24You guide me by your wise advice, and then you will lead me to a position of honor. | 24Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. |
25Whom do I have in heaven but you? I desire no one but you on earth. | 25Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. |
26My flesh and my heart may grow weak, but God always protects my heart and gives me stability. | 26My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. |
27Yes, look! Those far from you die; you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you. | 27For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. |
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. | 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. |
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