Psalm 73

BOOK THREE (Psalms 73–89)Psalm 73

A psalm of Asaph.

1 Truly God is good to Israel,
to those whose hearts are pure.2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing.
My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.3 For I envied the proud
when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.4 They seem to live such painless lives;
their bodies are so healthy and strong.5 They don’t have troubles like other people;
they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.6 They wear pride like a jeweled necklace
and clothe themselves with cruelty.7 These fat cats have everything
their hearts could ever wish for!8 They scoff and speak only evil;
in their pride they seek to crush others.9 They boast against the very heavens,
and their words strut throughout the earth.10 And so the people are dismayed and confused,
drinking in all their words.11 “What does God know?” they ask.
“Does the Most High even know what’s happening?”12 Look at these wicked people—
enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.13 Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?
Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?14 I get nothing but trouble all day long;
every morning brings me pain.15 If I had really spoken this way to others,
I would have been a traitor to your people.16 So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.
But what a difficult task it is!17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God,
and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.18 Truly, you put them on a slippery path
and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.19 In an instant they are destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors.20 When you arise, O Lord,
you will laugh at their silly ideas
as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter,
and I was all torn up inside.22 I was so foolish and ignorant—
I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.23 Yet I still belong to you;
you hold my right hand.24 You guide me with your counsel,
leading me to a glorious destiny.25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.27 Those who desert him will perish,
for you destroy those who abandon you.28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

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.