1
A melody of Asaph. Surely Elohim is good to Yisra’el, to the pure of heart.
2
But as for me, my feet had almost turned aside; my steps had nearly been poured out.
3
For I envied the boastful when I saw the shalom of the wicked.
4
For there are no bonds at their death, and their body is fat.
5
They are not in the labor of enosh, and with Adam they are not plagued.
6
Therefore pride necklaces them; violence wraps them like a garment.
7
Their eye comes out from fatness; imaginations of heart overflow.
8
They mock and speak with evil oppression; from the height they speak.
9
They set their mouth in the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.
10
Therefore His people return here, and waters of fullness are drained by them.
11
They say, “How does El know? Is there knowledge in Elyon?”
12
See, these are wicked, at ease forever; they increase wealth.
13
Surely in emptiness I cleansed my heart and washed my palms in innocence.
14
For I was plagued all day, and my correction came every morning.
15
If I had said, “I speak thus,” see, I would have betrayed the generation of Your sons.
16
When I thought to understand this, it was labor in my eyes,
17
until I entered the Set-Apart Places of El and discerned their latter end.
18
Surely You set them in slippery places; You make them fall into devastation.
19
How they become desolate in a moment! They are finished, consumed by terrors.
20
Like a dream upon awakening, Adonai, when You arise, You despise their image.
21
When my heart was embittered and my inward parts were pierced,
22
I was brutish and did not know; I was like beasts with You.
23
Yet I am continually with You; You hold my right hand.
24
By Your counsel You guide me, and afterward You take me into Glory.
25
Whom have I in the heavens? With You I desire nothing in the earth.
26
My flesh and my heart fail; Elohim is the Rock of my heart and my portion forever.
27
For see, those far from You perish; You silence everyone prostituting himself from You.
28
But as for me, nearness to Elohim is good. I have set my refuge in Adonai Yahuah, to recount all Your works.