Psalm 73

1 Truly God is good to Israel,

The Tragedy of the Wicked, and the Blessedness of Trust in GodA Psalm of Asaph. To such as are pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.3 For I was envious of the boastful, 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, Nor are they plagued like other men.6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment.7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish.8 They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily.9 They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth.10 Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them.11 And they say, How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?12 Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches.13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence.14 For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning.15 If I had said, I will speak thus, Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.16 When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.20 As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.21 Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind.22 I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.24 You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.26 My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.

PSALMS 73

BOOK III

(Psalms 73–89)

God Is Good

1 God is truly good to Israel, t
especially to everyone
with a pure heart.

2 But I almost stumbled and fell,

3 because it made me jealous
to see proud and evil people
and to watch them prosper.

4 They never have to suffer, t
they stay healthy,

5 and they don't have troubles
like everyone else.

6 Their pride is like a necklace,
and they commit sin more often
than they dress themselves.

7 Their eyes bulge with fat,
and their minds are flooded
with foolish thoughts.

8 They sneer and say cruel things,
and because of their pride,
they make violent threats.

9 They dare to speak against God
and to order others around.

10 God will bring his people back,
and they will drink the water
he so freely gives.t

11 Only evil people would say,
“God Most High cannot
know everything!”

12 Yet all goes well for them,
and they live in peace.

13 What good did it do me
to keep my thoughts pure
and refuse to do wrong?

14 I am sick all day,
and I am punished
each morning.

15 If I had said evil things,
I would not have been loyal
to your people.

16 It was hard for me
to understand all this!

17 Then I went to your temple,
and there I understood
what will happen
to my enemies.

18 You will make them stumble,
never to get up again.

19 They will be terrified,
suddenly swept away
and no longer there.

20 They will disappear, Lord,
despised like a bad dream
the morning after.

21 Once I was bitter
and brokenhearted.

22 I was stupid and ignorant,
and I treated you
as a wild animal would.

23 But I never really left you,
and you hold my right hand.

24 Your advice has been my guide,
and later you will welcome me
in glory.t

25 In heaven I have only you,
and on this earth
you are all I want.

26 My body and mind may fail,
but you are my strength
and my choice forever.

27 All-Powerful [Lord] God,
those who stay far from you
will be lost,
and you will destroy those
who are unfaithful.

28 It is good for me
to be near you.
I choose you as my protector,
and I will tell about
your wonderful deeds.