[1] Surely God is good to Israel,    To those who are pure in heart. [2]
But as for me, my feet were almost gone.    My steps had nearly slipped.
[3] For I was envious of the arrogant,	  When I saw the prosperity of the
wicked. [4] For there are no struggles in their death,	  But their
strength is firm. [5] They are free from burdens of men,    Neither are
they plagued like other men. [6] Therefore pride is like a chain around
their neck.    Violence covers them like a garment. [7] Their eyes bulge
with fat.    Their minds pass the limits of conceit. [8] They scoff and
speak with malice.    In arrogance, they threaten oppression. [9] They have
set their mouth in the heavens.    Their tongue walks through the earth.
[10] Therefore their people return to them,    And they drink up waters of
abundance. [11] They say, "How does God know?	 Is there knowledge in the
Most High?" [12] Behold, these are the wicked.	  Being always at ease,
they increase in riches. [13] Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart,	 
And washed my hands in innocence, [14] For all day long have I been
plagued,    And punished every morning. [15] If I had said, "I will speak
thus;"	  Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
[16] When I tried to understand this,	 It was too painful for me; [17]
Until I entered God`s sanctuary,    And considered their latter end. [18]
Surely you set them in slippery places.    You throw them down to
destruction. [19] How they are suddenly destroyed!    They are completely
swept away with terrors. [20] As a dream when one wakes up,    So, Lord,
when you awake, you will despise their fantasies. [21] For my soul was
grieved.    I was embittered in my heart. [22] I was so senseless and
ignorant.    I was a brute beast before you. [23] Nevertheless, I am
continually with you.	 You have held my right hand. [24] You will guide
me with your counsel,	 And afterward receive me to glory. [25] Who do I
have in heaven?    There is no one on earth who I desire besides you. [26]
My flesh and my heart fails,	But God is the strength of my heart and my
portion forever. [27] For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish.
   You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you. [28] But it is
good for me to come close to God.    I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge,
   That I may tell of all your works.	   Psalm 74	  A contemplation
by Asaph.