1BOOK THIRD: “A Psalm of Assaph.” Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure of heart.
2But as for me, it lacked but little that my feet had been moved: almost nothing was needed that my steps had slipped.
3For I was envious at the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4For there are no deadly fetters for them, but their strength is firm.
5They share not in the trouble of mortals, and with men are they not afflicted.
6Therefore is pride their neck-chain: violence envelopeth them as a garment.
7Their eyes start out from fatness: they have exceeded their heart's imaginings.
8They scorn, and speak wickedly of oppression: loftily do they speak.
9They set their mouth in the heavens, and their tongue walketh busily on the earth.
10Therefore do his people turn away hither: and waters of a full cup are drained by them.
11And they say, How should God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?
12Behold, these are the wicked; and yet prospering continually they increase in wealth.
13Verily in vain have I thus cleansed my heart, and have washed in innocency my hands:
14While I was afflicted all the day, and my chastisement came every morning.