1
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A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. |
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2
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But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. |
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3
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For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
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4
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They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. |
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5
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They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. |
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6
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Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them. |
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7
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From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. |
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8
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They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. |
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9
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They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. |
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10
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So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance. |
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11
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The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” |
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12
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Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth. |
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13
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Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. |
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14
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For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. |
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15
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If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children. |
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16
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When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight |
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17
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until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end. |
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18
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Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. |
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19
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How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! |
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20
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Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. |
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21
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When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within, |
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22
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I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. |
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23
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Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. |
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24
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You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory. |
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25
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Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. |
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26
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My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. |
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27
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Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. |
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28
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But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works. |
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