A Psalmof Asaph. TrulyGod is goodto Israel, even to such as are of a cleanheart. But as for me, my feetwere almostgone; my stepshad well nighslipped. ForI was enviousat the foolish, when I sawthe prosperityof the wicked. For there are nobandsin their death: but their strength is firm. They are notin trouble as other men; neitherare they plaguedlike other men. Thereforepridecompasseth them about as a chain; violencecovereththem as a garment. Their eyesstand outwith fatness: they have morethan heartcould wish. They are corrupt, and speakwickedly concerning oppression: they speakloftily. They settheir mouthagainst the heavens, and their tonguewalkeththrough the earth. Thereforehis peoplereturnhither: and watersof a full cup are wrung outto them. And they say, Howdoth Godknow? and is thereknowledgein the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosperin the world; they increase in riches. VerilyI have cleansedmy heart in vain, and washedmy handsin innocency. For allthe daylong have I beenplagued, and chastenedevery morning. IfI say, I will speakthus; behold, I should offend against the generationof thy children. When I thoughtto knowthis, it was too painfulforme; UntilI wentintothe sanctuaryof God; then understoodI their end. Surelythou didst setthem in slippery places: thou castedst them downinto destruction. Howarethey brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumedwithterrors. As a dreamwhen one awaketh; so , O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despisetheir image. Thusmy heartwas grieved, and I was prickedin my reins. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beastbeforethee. Nevertheless I am continuallywiththee: thou hast holden me by my righthand. Thou shalt guideme with thy counsel, and afterwardreceiveme to glory. Whomhave I in heaven but thee ? and there is noneupon earth that I desirebesidethee. My fleshand my heartfaileth: but God is the strengthof my heart, and my portionforever. For, lo, they that are farfrom thee shall perish: thou hast destroyedallthem that go a whoringfromthee. But it is goodfor me to draw nearto God: I have putmy trustin the LordGOD, that I may declareallthy works.