The Psalms

chapter 73


Chapters:


verse #1

A Psalm by Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.


verse #2

But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped.


verse #3

For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.


verse #4

For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm.


verse #5

They are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men.


verse #6

Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.


verse #7

Their eyes bulge with fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit.


verse #8

They scoff and speak with malice. In arrogance, they threaten oppression.


verse #9

They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth.


verse #10

Therefore their people return to them, and they drink up waters of abundance.


verse #11

They say, “How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?”


verse #12

Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches.


verse #13

Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence,


verse #14

For all day long I have been plagued, and punished every morning.


verse #15

If I had said, “I will speak thus”, behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children.


verse #16

When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me—


verse #17

until I entered God’s sanctuary, and considered their latter end.


verse #18

Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction.


verse #19

How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors.


verse #20

As a dream when one wakes up, so, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies.


verse #21

For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart.


verse #22

I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you.


verse #23

Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand.


verse #24

You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.


verse #25

Whom do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you.


verse #26

My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.


verse #27

For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.


verse #28

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.

Chapters:


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