1
A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.
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But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.
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For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
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For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm.
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They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men.
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Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment.
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Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish.
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They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily.
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They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.
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Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them.
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And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?"
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Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches.
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Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence.
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For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning.
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If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
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When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me--
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Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.
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Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.
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Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.
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As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.
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Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind.
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I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
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Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.
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You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.
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Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
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My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
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For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
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But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.