Psalm 73

A Psalm of Asaph.

73:1

¶ Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

73:2

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

73:3

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

73:4

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

73:5

They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

73:6

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

73:7

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

73:8

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

73:9

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

73:10

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

73:11

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

73:12

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

73:13

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

73:14

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

73:15

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

73:16

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

73:17

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

73:18

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

73:19

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

73:20

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

73:21

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

73:22

So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

73:23

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

73:24

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

73:25

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

73:26

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

73:27

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

73:28

But 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.