Psalm 73

A Psalm of Asaph.

1Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.footnote afootnote bfootnote c

2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.footnote d

5They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.footnote efootnote f

6Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

7Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.footnote g

8They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

12Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

13Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

14For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.footnote h

15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.

16When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;footnote i

17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

20As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

21Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

22So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.footnote jfootnote k

23Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

24Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

25Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

26My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.footnote l

27For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

28But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Surely God Is Good to Israel

A Psalm of Asaph.

1Surely God is good to Israel,to those who are pure in heart. 2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;my steps had nearly slipped. 3For I envied the arrogantwhen I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4They have no struggle in their death;their bodies are well-fed. 5They are free of the burdens others carry;they are not afflicted like other men. 6Therefore pride is their necklace;a garment of violence covers them. 7From their prosperity proceeds iniquity;footnote athe imaginations of their hearts run wild. 8They mock and speak with malice;with arrogance they threaten oppression. 9They set their mouths against the heavens,and their tongues strut across the earth.

10So their peoplefootnote breturn to this placeand drink up waters in abundance. 11The wicked say, “How can God know?Does the Most High have knowledge?” 12Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth.

13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure;in innocence I have washed my hands. 14For I am afflicted all day longand punished every morning. 15If I had said, “I will speak this way,”then I would have betrayed Your children. 16When I tried to understand all this,it was troublesome in my sight 17until I entered God’s sanctuary;then I discerned their end.

18Surely You set them on slick ground;You cast them down into ruin. 19How suddenly they are laid waste,completely swept away by terrors! 20Like one waking from a dream,so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.

21When my heart was grievedand I was pierced within, 22I was senseless and ignorant;I was a brute beast before You.

23Yet I am always with You;You hold my right hand. 24You guide me with Your counsel,and later receive me in glory. 25Whom have I in heaven but You?And on earth I desire no one besides You. 26My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strengthfootnote cof my heartand my portion forever.

27Those far from You will surely perish;You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. 28But as for me, it is good to draw near to God.I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,that I may proclaim all Your works.