Psalms 73
BOOK III
Psalm 73
God’s Ways Vindicated
A psalm of Asaph.
1God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart.23But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.4
5For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.6
7They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed.8
9They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people.10
11Therefore, pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment.12
13Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.14
15They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression.16
17They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth.18
19Therefore his people turn to them and drink in their overflowing words.20
21The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High know everything?”22
23Look at them — the wicked! They are always at ease, and they increase their wealth.24
25Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?26
27For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.28
29If I had decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed your people.30
31When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless32
33until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.34
35Indeed, you put them in slippery places; you make them fall into ruin.36
37How suddenly they become a desolation! They come to an end, swept away by terrors.38
39Like one waking from a dream, Lord, when arising, you will despise their image.40
41When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded,42
43I was stupid and didn’t understand; I was an unthinking animal toward you.44
45Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand.46
47You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me up in glory.48
49Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you.50
51My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.52
53Those far from you will certainly perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.54
55But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.56