¹A psalm by Asaph. Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure. ²But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slid out from under me. ³For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked. ⁴For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well fed. ⁵They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do.⁶Arrogance is their necklace, and violence covers them like clothing. ⁷Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful. ⁸They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence. ⁹They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth. ¹⁰Therefore they have more than enough food to eat and even suck up the water of the sea.¹¹They say, “How does God know what we do? Is the Most High aware of what goes on?” ¹²Take a good look. This is what the wicked are like, those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer. ¹³I concluded, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. ¹⁴I suffer all day long and am punished every morning.” ¹⁵If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your people. ¹⁶When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me. ¹⁷Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple and understood the destiny of the wicked.¹⁸Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin. ¹⁹How desolate they become in a mere moment. Terrifying judgments make their demise complete. ²⁰They are like a dream after one wakes up. O Lord, when you awake you will despise them. ²¹Yes, my spirit was bitter, and my insides felt sharp pain. ²²I was ignorant and lacked insight; I was as senseless as an animal before you.²³But I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. ²⁴You guide me by your wise advice, and then you will lead me to a position of honor. ²⁵Whom do I have in heaven but you? On earth there is no one I desire but you. ²⁶My flesh and my heart may grow weak, but God always protects my heart and gives me stability. ²⁷Yes, look! Those far from you die; you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you. ²⁸But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, as I declare all the things you have done.