73:1 A Psalm by Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
73:2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped.
73:3 For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
73:4 For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm.
73:5 They are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men.
73:6 Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.
73:7 Their eyes bulge with fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit.
73:8 They scoff and speak with malice. In arrogance, they threaten oppression.
73:9 They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth.
73:10 Therefore their people return to them, and they drink up waters of abundance.
73:11 They say, How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?
73:12 Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches.
73:13 Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocence,
73:14 For all day long have I been plagued, and punished every morning.
73:15 If I had said, I will speak thus; behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
73:16 When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me;
73:17 Until I entered Gods sanctuary, and considered their latter end.
73:18 Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction.
73:19 How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors.
73:20 As a dream when one wakes up, so, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies.
73:21 For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart.
73:22 I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you.
73:23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand.
73:24 You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
73:25 Whom do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you.
73:26 My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
73:27 For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.
73:28 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.