1 BOOK III A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, even to such as are pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious at the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck; violence covereth them as a garment.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

8 They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression: they speak loftily.

9 They have set their mouth in the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out by them.

11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?

12 Behold, these are the wicked; and, being alway at ease, they increase in riches.

13 Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocency;

14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

15 If I had said, I will speak thus; behold, I had dealt treacherously with the generation of thy children.

16 When I thought how I might know this, it was too painful for me;

17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God, and considered their latter end.

18 Surely thou settest them in slippery places: thou castest them down to destruction.

19 How are they become a desolation in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

21 For my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins:

22 So brutish was I, and ignorant; I was as a beast before thee.

23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden my right hand.

24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.

27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

28 But it is good for me to draw near unto God: I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all thy works.