Whom do I have in heaven but you? I desire no one but you on earth.

A psalm by Asaph. Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure!

My flesh and my heart may grow weak, but God always protects my heart and gives me stability.

You guide me by your wise advice, and then you will lead me to a position of honor.

But I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.

But 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.

For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked.

Yes, my spirit was bitter, and my insides felt sharp pain.

When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me.

But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slid out from under me.

Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin.

Then I entered the precincts of God's temple, and understood the destiny of the wicked.

I concluded, "Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle.

Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like, those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer.

They say, "How does God know what we do? Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?"

If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your loyal followers.

Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful.

I was ignorant and lacked insight; I was as senseless as an animal before you.

For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well-fed.

They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth.

Arrogance is their necklace, and violence their clothing.

They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence.

Yes, look! Those far from you die; you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you.

They are like a dream after one wakes up. O Lord, when you awake you will despise them.

I suffer all day long, and am punished every morning."

They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do.

Therefore they have more than enough food to eat, and even suck up the water of the sea.

How desolate they become in a mere moment! Terrifying judgments make their demise complete!