73:1 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to those who are pure of heart. |
73:2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped, |
73:3 For I was envious at the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked, |
73:4 For there are no pangs in their death, and their strength is firm. |
73:5 They are not in trouble like other men; neither are they plagued like other men. |
73:6 Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck. Violence covers them like a garment. |
73:7 Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than the heart could wish for. |
73:8 They scoff and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. |
73:9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. |
73:10 Therefore waters of abundance are drunk by them. |
73:11 And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" |
73:12 Behold, these are the wicked, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. |
73:13 Surely I have made my heart pure in vain and washed my hands in innocence, |
73:14 For all the day long I have been plagued and chastened every morning. |
73:15 If I say, "I will speak thus;" behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children. |
73:16 When I thought to understand this, it was too painful for me |
73:17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. |
73:18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down into destruction. |
73:19 How have they been brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors, |
73:20 Like a dream when one awakens; so, O LORD, when You awake, You shall despise their image, |
73:21 For thus my heart was grieved and I was pricked in my reins. |
73:22 So foolish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. |
73:23 Nevertheless I am always with You; You have held me by my right hand. |
73:24 You shall guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. |
73:25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You I desire none upon earth. |
73:26 My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever, |
73:27 For lo, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all who go awhoring from You. |
73:28 And me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the LORD God my refuge, that I may declare all Your works. |