(Mizmor of Asaph). Truly Elohim is tov to Yisroel, even to the barei levav (pure of heart).
But as for me, my raglayim had almost stumbled; my steps had well near slipped.
For I had kina (envy) of the holelim (arrogant ones), when I saw the shalom of the resha'im.
For there are no chartzubot (fetters, bonds, pains) in their mot; healthy is their belly.
They are not in amal (trouble) as enosh; neither are they plagued like adam.
Therefore ga'avah encircleth them like a chain necklace; chamas enwraps them like a garment.
Their eyes bulge with chelev; they have more than levav could imagine.
They mock, and speak wickedly concerning oshek (oppression); they speak from marom (on high).
They set their mouth against Shomayim, and their leshon stalketh in ha'aretz.
Therefore their people return here; and mayim to the full are swallowed down by them.
And they say, How doth El (G-d) know? And is there knowledge in Elyon?
Hinei, these are the resha'im; at ease olam, they increase in riches.
Surely in vain have I cleansed my lev, and washed my hands in innocency.
For kol hayom have I been plagued, and chastened in the bekarim (mornings).
If I say, I will speak thus; hinei, I would have dealt faithlessly with the dor banecha (the generation of Thy children).
When I thought to comprehend this, it was amal (difficulty) in my eyes;
Until I went into the Mikdeshei El; then I had binah (understanding) of their (the wicked's) destiny.
Surely Thou didst set them in slippery places; Thou castedst them down into mashu'ot (ruins, destruction).
How are they brought into desolation, as in a rega (moment)! They are utterly consumed with balahot (terrors).
As a chalom when one awaketh; so, Adonoi, when Thou art aroused [in judgment], Thou shalt despise their tzelem (shadowy form).
Thus my levav was grieved, and I was pricked in my mind.
So senseless was I, and ignorant; I was like behemot before Thee.
Nevertheless I am with Thee tamid (always); Thou hast taken hold of me by my yad yamin.
Thou shalt guide me with Thy etzah (counsel), and afterward take me to kavod (glory).
Whom have I in Shomayim but Thee? And there is none upon HaAretz that I desire beside Thee.
My flesh and my levav may fail; but Elohim is the Tzur of my levav, and my chelek l'olam.
For, hinei, they that are far from Thee shall perish; Thou hast destroyed all them that go zoneh (a-whoring) from Thee.
But kiravat Elohim (drawing near to Elohim) is tov for me; I make in Adonoi Hashem my refuge, that I may declare all Thy deeds.