Psalm 73
← Psalm 72 | Psalm | Psalm 74 →
v1
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
v2
But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped.
v3
For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
v4
For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm.
v5
They are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men.
v6
Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.
v7
Their eyes bulge with fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit.
v8
They scoff and speak with malice. In arrogance, they threaten oppression.
v9
They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth.
v10
Therefore their people return to them, and they drink up waters of abundance.
v11
They say, “How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?“
v12
Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches.
v13
Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence,
v14
For all day long I have been plagued, and punished every morning.
v15
If I had said, “I will speak thus”; behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
v16
When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me,
v17
until I entered God’s sanctuary, and considered their latter end.
v18
Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction.
v19
How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors.
v20
As a dream when one wakes up, so, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies.
v21
For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart.
v22
I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you.
v23
Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand.
v24
You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
v25
Whom do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you.
v26
My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
v27
For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.
v28
But it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.