【Psalms】Psalm 73 << Last Chapter Next Chapter >>

73:1 A psalm of Asaph. How good God is to the upright, the Lord, to those who areclean of heart!I

73:2 But, as for me, I lost my balance; my feet all but slipped,

73:3 Because I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of thewicked.

73:4 For they suffer no pain; their bodies are healthy and sleek.

73:5 They are free of the burdens of life; they are not afflicted like others.

73:6 Thus pride adorns them as a necklace; violence clothes them as a robe.

73:7 Out of their stupidity comes sin; evil thoughts flood their hearts.

73:8 They scoff and spout their malice; from on high they utter threats.

73:9 They set their mouths against the heavens, their tongues roam the earth.

73:10 So my people turn to them and drink deeply of their words.

73:11 They say, "Does God really know?" "Does the Most High have any knowledge?"

73:12 Such, then, are the wicked, always carefree, increasing their wealth.II

73:13 Is it in vain that I have kept my heart clean, washed my hands in innocence?

73:14 For I am afflicted day after day, chastised every morning.

73:15 Had I thought, "I will speak as they do," I would have betrayed your people.

73:16 Though I tried to understand all this, it was too difficult for me,

73:17 Till I entered the sanctuary of God and came to understand their end.II

73:18 You set them, indeed, on a slippery road; you hurl them down to ruin.

73:19 How suddenly they are devastated; undone by disasters forever!

73:20 They are like a dream after waking, Lord, dismissed like shadows when youarise.IV

73:21 Since my heart was embittered and my soul deeply wounded,

73:22 I was stupid and could not understand; I was like a brute beast in yourpresence.

73:23 Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand.

73:24 With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor.

73:25 Whom else have I in the heavens? None beside you delights me on earth.

73:26 Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the rock of my heart, my portionforever.

73:27 But those who are far from you perish; you destroy those unfaithful to you.

73:28 As for me, to be near God is my good, to make the Lord GOD my refuge. Ishall declare all your works in the gates of daughter Zion.

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