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Surely God Is Good to Israel

Psalm subtitle:A Psalm of Asaph.

Verse1Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

Verse2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.

Verse3For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Verse4They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.

Verse5They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.

Verse6Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.

Verse7From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.

Verse8They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.

Verse9They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.

Verse10So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.

Verse11The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”

Verse12Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth.

Verse13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.

Verse14For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.

Verse15If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.

Verse16When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight

Verse17until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.

Verse18Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.

Verse19How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!

Verse20Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.

Verse21When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,

Verse22I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.

Verse23Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.

Verse24You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.

Verse25Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.

Verse26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Verse27Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.

Verse28But 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.