Study Desk

A psalm of Asaph.^(a) God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart.^(b)

But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.^(c)

For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.^(d)

They have an easy time until they die,^[a] and their bodies are well fed.^[b](e)

They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people.^(f)

Therefore, pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment.^(g)

Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.^(h)

They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression.⁽ⁱ⁾

They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth.^(j)

Therefore His people turn to them^[c] and drink in their overflowing words.^[d](k)

The wicked say, "How can God know? Does the Most High know everything?"^(l)

Look at them—the wicked! They are always at ease, and they increase their wealth.^(m)

Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?⁽ⁿ⁾

For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.^(o)

If I had decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed Your people.^[e](p)

When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless^[f](q)

until I entered God's sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.^(r)

Indeed, You put them in slippery places; You make them fall into ruin.^(s)

How suddenly they become a desolation! They come to an end, swept away by terrors.^(t)

Like one waking from a dream, Lord, when arising, You will despise their image.^(u)

When I became embittered and my innermost being^[g] was wounded,^(v)

I was stupid and didn't understand; I was an unthinking animal toward You.^(w)

Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.^(x)

You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me up in glory.^[h](y)

Who do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You.^(z)

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength^[i] of my heart, my portion forever.^(aa)

Those far from You will certainly perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.^(ab)

But as for me, God's presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all You do.^(ac)

For the choir director. A psalm of the sons of Korah.

Lord , You showed favor to Your land;^(a) You restored Jacob's prosperity.^[a](b)

You took away Your people's guilt; You covered all their sin.^(c) Selah

You withdrew all Your fury; You turned from Your burning anger.^(d)

Return to us, God of our salvation, and abandon Your displeasure with us.^(e)

Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger for all generations?^(f)

Will You not revive us again so that Your people may rejoice in You?^(g)

Show us Your faithful love, Lord , and give us Your salvation.^(h)

I will listen to what God will say; surely the Lord will declare peace to His people, His godly ones, and not let them go back to foolish ways.⁽ⁱ⁾

His salvation is very near those who fear Him, so that glory may dwell in our land.^(j)

Faithful love and truth will join together; righteousness and peace will embrace.^(k)

Truth will spring up from the earth, and righteousness will look down from heaven.^(l)

Also, the Lord will provide what is good, and our land will yield its crops.^(m)

Righteousness will go before Him to prepare the way for His steps.⁽ⁿ⁾