Psalms 73 / 150
- 1A psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
- 2But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.
- 3For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
- 4They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.
- 5They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.
- 6Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
- 7From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.
- 8They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.
- 9Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
- 10Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.
- 11They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"
- 12This is what the wicked are like- always carefree, they increase in wealth.
- 13Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
- 14All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.
- 15If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.
- 16When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me
- 17till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
- 18Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
- 19How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
- 20As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
- 21When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
- 22I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
- 23Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
- 24You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
- 25Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
- 26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
- 27Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
- 28But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.