Surely God Is Good to Israel

A Psalm of Asaph.

Surely God [is] good to Israel,

to those who are pure in heart.

2 

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;

my steps had nearly slipped.

3 

For I envied the arrogant

[when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 

They have no struggle in their death;

their bodies are well-fed.

5 

They are free of the burdens others {carry};

they are not afflicted like [other] men.

6 

Therefore pride is their necklace;

a garment of violence covers them.

7 

From their prosperity proceeds iniquity;[fn]

the imaginations of their hearts run wild.

8 

They mock and speak with malice;

with arrogance they threaten oppression.

9 

They set their mouths against the heavens,

and their tongues strut across the earth.

10 

So their people[fn] return to this place

and drink up waters in abundance.

11 

The wicked say,“How can God know?

Does the Most High have knowledge?”

12 

Behold, these [are] the wicked —

always carefree as they increase their wealth.

13 

Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure

in innocence I have washed my hands.

14 

For I am afflicted all day long

and punished every morning

15 

If I had said,“ I will speak this way,”

then I would have betrayed vvv Your children.

16 

When I tried to understand all this,

it was troublesome in my sight

17 

until I entered God’s sanctuary;

then I discerned their end.

18 

Surely You set them on slick ground;

You cast them down into ruin.

19 

How suddenly they are laid waste,

completely swept away by terrors!

20 

Like [one] waking from a dream,

so You, O Lord, awaken [and] despise their form.

21 

When my heart was grieved

and I was pierced within,

22 

I was senseless and ignorant;

I was a brute beast before You.

23 

Yet I am always with You;

You hold my right hand.

24 

You guide me with Your counsel,

and later receive me in glory.

25 

Whom have I in heaven but You?

And on earth I desire no one besides You.

26 

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength[fn] of my heart

and my portion forever.

27 

Those far from You will surely perish;

You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.

28 

But as for me, [it is] good to draw near to God.

I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,

that I may proclaim all Your works.