1 BOOK THIRD: “A Psalm of Assaph.” Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure of heart. 2 But as for me, it lacked but little that my feet had been moved: almost nothing was needed that my steps had slipped. 3 For I was envious at the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no deadly fetters for them, but their strength is firm. 5 They share not in the trouble of mortals, and with men are they not afflicted. 6 Therefore is pride their neck-chain: violence envelopeth them as a garment. 7 Their eyes start out from fatness: they have exceeded their heart's imaginings. 8 They scorn, and speak wickedly of oppression: loftily do they speak. 9 They set their mouth in the heavens, and their tongue walketh busily on the earth. 10 Therefore do his people turn away hither: and waters of a full cup are drained by them. 11 And they say, How should God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High? 12 Behold, these are the wicked; and yet prospering continually they increase in wealth. 13 Verily in vain have I thus cleansed my heart, and have washed in innocency my hands: 14 While I was afflicted all the day, and my chastisement came every morning. 15 But if I were to say, I will speak thus: behold, I would be treacherous against the generation of thy children. 16 And when I should think to know this, it would be trouble in my eyes; 17 Until I enter into the sanctuary of God; and understand what their future will be. 18 Surely thou placest them on slippery spots: thou lettest them fall down into destruction. 19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they perish, they come to their end with terrific events. 20 As a dream after awaking, O Lord, reject thou in wrath their image. 21 For it fermented in my heart, and in my reins I felt sharp thrusts; 22 But I was indeed foolish, and I knew it not: I was as a thoughtless beast with thee. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast seized hold of me by my right hand. 24 With thy counsel wilt thou guide me, and afterward take me on to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven? and beside thee I desire nothing upon earth. 26 Though my flesh and my heart should fall; yet the rock of my heart, and my portion will be God for ever. 27 For, lo, those that are far from thee shall perish: thou destroyest every one that strayeth away from thee. 28 But as regardeth me, to draw near to God is good for me: I have put in the Lord Eternal my trust, that I may relate all thy works.