BOOK III

(Psalms 73–89)

Psalm 73

God’s Ways Vindicated

A psalm of Asaph. g

1   God is indeed good to Israel,

to the pure in heart. h

2   But as for me, my feet almost slipped;

my steps nearly went astray. i

3   For I envied the arrogant;

I saw the prosperity of the wicked. j

4   They have an easy time until they die, B

and their bodies are well fed. C,k

5   They are not in trouble like others;

they are not afflicted like most people. l

6   Therefore, pride is their necklace,

and violence covers them like a garment. m

7   Their eyes bulge out from fatness;

the imaginations of their hearts run wild. n

8   They mock, and they speak maliciously;

they arrogantly threaten oppression. o

9   They set their mouths against heaven,

and their tongues strut across the earth. p

10   Therefore his people turn to them D

and drink in their overflowing words. E,q

11   The wicked say, “How can God know?

Does the Most High know everything? ” r

12   Look at them—the wicked!

They are always at ease,

and they increase their wealth. s

13   Did I purify my heart

and wash my hands in innocence for nothing? t

14   For I am afflicted all day long

and punished every morning. u

15   If I had decided to say these things aloud,

I would have betrayed your people. F,v

16   When I tried to understand all this,

it seemed hopeless G,w

17   until I entered God’s sanctuary.

Then I understood their destiny. x

18   Indeed, you put them in slippery places;

you make them fall into ruin. y

19   How suddenly they become a desolation!

They come to an end, swept away by terrors. z

20   Like one waking from a dream,

Lord, when arising, you will despise their image. a

21   When I became embittered

and my innermost being H was wounded, b

22   I was stupid and didn’t understand;

I was an unthinking animal toward you. c

23   Yet I am always with you;

you hold my right hand. d

24   You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me up in glory. I,e

25   Who do I have in heaven but you?

And I desire nothing on earth but you. f

26   My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength J of my heart,

my portion forever. g

27   Those far from you will certainly perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. h

28   But as for me, God’s presence is my good.

I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,

so I can tell about all you do. i