Psalms 73
Psalms 73
A Psalm by Asaph.
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. Verse 2. But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped. Verse 3. For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Verse 4. For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm. Verse 5. They are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men. Verse 6. Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment. Verse 7. Their eyes bulge with fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit. Verse 8. They scoff and speak with malice. In arrogance, they threaten oppression. Verse 9. They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth. Verse 10. Therefore their people return to them, and they drink up waters of abundance. Verse 11. They say, “How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” Verse 12. Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches. Verse 13. Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence, Verse 14. For all day long I have been plagued, and punished every morning. Verse 15. If I had said, “I will speak thus”, behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children. Verse 16. When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me— Verse 17. until I entered God’s sanctuary, and considered their latter end. Verse 18. Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction. Verse 19. How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors. Verse 20. As a dream when one wakes up, so, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies. Verse 21. For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart. Verse 22. I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you. Verse 23. Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand. Verse 24. You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Verse 25. Whom do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you. Verse 26. My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Verse 27. For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you. Verse 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.