Psalms - Chapter 73 | New International Version

  • 1. {A psalm of Asaph.} Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
  • 2. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.
  • 3. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
  • 4. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.
  • 5. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.
  • 6. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
  • 7. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.
  • 8. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.
  • 9. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
  • 10. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.
  • 11. They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"
  • 12. This is what the wicked are like-- always carefree, they increase in wealth.
  • 13. Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
  • 14. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.
  • 15. If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.
  • 16. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me
  • 17. till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
  • 18. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
  • 19. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
  • 20. As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
  • 21. When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
  • 22. I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
  • 23. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
  • 24. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
  • 25. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
  • 26. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
  • 27. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
  • 28. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
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