73:1 TRULY GOD is [only] good to Israel, even to those who are upright {and} pure in heart. |
73:2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well-nigh slipped. |
73:3 For I was envious of the foolish {and} arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
73:4 For they suffer no violent pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. |
73:5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they smitten {and} plagued like other men. |
73:6 Therefore pride is about their necks like a chain; violence covers them like a garment [like a long, luxurious robe]. |
73:7 Their eyes stand out with fatness, they have more than heart could wish; {and} the imaginations of their minds overflow [with follies]. |
73:8 They scoff, and wickedly utter oppression; they speak loftily [from on high, maliciously and blasphemously]. |
73:9 They set their mouths against {and} speak down from heaven, and their tongues swagger through the earth [invading even heaven with blasphemy and smearing earth with slanders]. |
73:10 Therefore His people return here, and waters of a full cup [offered by the wicked] are [blindly] drained by them. |
73:11 And they say, How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High? |
73:12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who always prosper {and} are at ease in the world; they increase in riches. |
73:13 Surely then in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency. |
73:14 For all the day long have I been smitten {and} plagued, and chastened every morning. |
73:15 Had I spoken thus [and given expression to my feelings], I would have been untrue {and} have dealt treacherously against the generation of Your children. |
73:16 But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me {and} too painful |
73:17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood [for I considered] their end. |
73:18 [After all] You do set the [wicked] in slippery places; You cast them down to ruin {and} destruction. |
73:19 How they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors! |
73:20 As a dream [which seems real] until one awakens, so, O Lord, when You arouse Yourself [to take note of the wicked], You will despise their outward show. |
73:21 For my heart was grieved, embittered, {and} in a state of ferment, and I was pricked in my heart [as with the sharp fang of an adder]. |
73:22 So foolish, stupid, {and} brutish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. |
73:23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand. |
73:24 You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor {and} glory. |
73:25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight {or} desire on earth besides You. |
73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock {and} firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever. |
73:27 For behold, those who are far from You shall perish; You will destroy all who are false to You {and} like [spiritual] harlots depart from You. |
73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God {and} made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. |