Psalm 73

1 Surely God is good to Israel, Even to such as are pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; My steps had well nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no pangs in their death; But their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; Neither are they plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck; Violence covereth them as a garment.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: They have more than heart could wish.

8 They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression: They speak loftily.

9 They have set their mouth in the heavens, And their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return hither: And waters of a full cup are drained by them.

11 And they say, How doth God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?

12 Behold, these are the wicked; And, being alway at ease, they increase in riches.

13 Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart, And washed my hands in innocency;

14 For all the day long have I been plagued, And chastened every morning.

15 If I had said, I will speak thus; Behold, I had dealt treacherously with the generation of thy children.

16 When I thought how I might know this, It was too painful for me;

17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God, And considered their latter end.

18 Surely thou settest them in slippery places: Thou castest them down to destruction.

19 How are they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.

20 As a dream when one awaketh, So, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou wilt despise their image.

21 For my soul was grieved, And I was pricked in my heart:

22 So brutish was I, and ignorant; I was as a beast before thee.

23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: Thou hast holden my right hand.

24 Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.

27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: Thou hast destroyed all them that play the harlot, departing from thee.

28 But it is good for me to draw near unto God: I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, That I may tell of all thy works.

Psalm 73

Book 3(Psalms 73-89)

A psalm by Asaph.

1 Certainly God is good to Israel,
and to those whose motives are pure!

2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
my feet almost slid out from under me.

3 For I envied those who are proud,
as I observed the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For they suffer no pain;
their bodies are strong and well-fed.

5 They are immune to the trouble common to men;
they do not suffer as other men do.

6 Arrogance is their necklace,
and violence their clothing.

7 Their prosperity causes them to do wrong;
their thoughts are sinful.

8 They mock and say evil things;
they proudly threaten violence.

9 They speak as if they rule in heaven,
and lay claim to the earth.

10 Therefore they have more than enough food to eat,
and even suck up the water of the sea.

11 They say, “How does God know what we do?
Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?”

12 Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like,
those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer.

13 I concluded, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure
and maintained a pure lifestyle.

14 I suffer all day long,
and am punished every morning.”

15 If I had publicized these thoughts,
I would have betrayed your loyal followers.

16 When I tried to make sense of this,
it was troubling to me.

17 Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple,
and understood the destiny of the wicked.

18 Surely you put them in slippery places;
you bring them down to ruin.

19 How desolate they become in a mere moment!
Terrifying judgments make their demise complete!

20 They are like a dream after one wakes up.
O Lord, when you awake you will despise them.

21 Yes, my spirit was bitter,
and my insides felt sharp pain.

22 I was ignorant and lacked insight;
I was as senseless as an animal before you.

23 But I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.

24 You guide me by your wise advice,
and then you will lead me to a position of honor.

25 Whom do I have in heaven but you?
I desire no one but you on earth.

26 My flesh and my heart may grow weak,
but God always protects my heart and gives me stability.

27 Yes, look! Those far from you die;
you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you.

28 But as for me, God’s presence is all I need.
I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter,
as I declare all the things you have done.