Psalms 73
73
PSALM 73
Common Meter: 8,6,8,6
A Psalm of Asaph.
1Yet God is good to Israel,
to each pure-hearted one.
2But as for me, my steps near slipp'd,
my feet were almost gone.
3For I envious was, and grudg'd
the foolish folk to see,
When I perceiv'd the wicked sort
enjoy prosperity.
4For still their strength continueth firm;
their death of bands is free.
5They are not toil'd like other men,
nor plagu'd, as others be.
6Therefore their pride, like to a chain,
them compasseth about;
And, as a garment, violence
doth cover them throughout.
7Their eyes stand out with fat; they have
more than their hearts could wish.
8They are corrupt; their talk of wrong
both lewd and lofty is.
9They set their mouth against the heav'ns
in their blasphemous talk;
And their reproaching tongue throughout
the earth at large doth walk.
10His people oftentimes for this
look back, and turn about;
Sith waters of so full a cup
to these are poured out.
11And thus they say, How can it be
that God these things doth know?
Or, Can there in the Highest be
knowledge of things below?
12Behold, these are the wicked ones,
yet prosper at their will
In worldly things; they do increase
in wealth and riches still.
13I verily have done in vain
my heart to purify;
To no effect in innocence
washed my hands have I.
14For daily, and all day throughout,
great plagues I suffer'd have;
Yea, ev'ry morning I of new
did chastisement receive.
15If in this manner foolishly
to speak I would intend,
Thy children's generation,
behold, I should offend.
16When I this thought to know, it was
too hard a thing for me;
17Till to God's sanctuary I went,
then I their end did see.
18Assuredly thou didst them set
a slipp'ry place upon;
Them suddenly thou castedst down
into destruction.
19How in a moment suddenly
to ruin brought are they!
With fearful terrors utterly
they are consum'd away.
20Ev'n like unto a dream, when one
from sleeping doth arise;
So thou, O Lord, when thou awak'st,
their image shalt despise.
21Thus grieved was my heart in me,
and me my reins opprest:
22So rude was I, and ignorant,
and in thy sight a beast.
23Nevertheless continually,
O Lord, I am with thee:
Thou dost me hold by my right hand,
and still upholdest me.
24Thou, with thy counsel, while I live,
wilt me conduct and guide;
And to thy glory afterward
receive me to abide.
25Whom have I in the heavens high
but thee, O Lord, alone?
And in the earth whom I desire
besides thee there is none.
26My flesh and heart doth faint and fail,
but God doth fail me never:
For of my heart God is the strength
and portion for ever.
27For, lo, they that are far from thee
for ever perish shall;
Them that a whoring from thee go
thou hast destroyed all.
28But surely it is good for me
that I draw near to God:
In God I trust, that all thy works
I may declare abroad.
Book 3
Psalms 73—89
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maintained by the British and Foreign Bible Society
Psalms 73
73
BOOK III
(Psalms 73–89)
(A psalm by Asaph.)
God Is Good
1God is truly good to Israel,#73.1 to Israel: Or “to those who do right.”
especially to everyone
with a pure heart.
2But I almost stumbled and fell,
3because it made me jealous
to see proud and evil people
and to watch them prosper.
4They never have to suffer,#73.4 They … suffer: Or “They die a painless death.”
they stay healthy,
5and they don't have troubles
like everyone else.
6Their pride is like a necklace,
and they commit sin more often
than they dress themselves.
7Their eyes bulge with fat,
and their minds are flooded
with foolish thoughts.
8They sneer and say cruel things,
and because of their pride,
they make violent threats.
9They dare to speak against God
and to order others around.
10God will bring his people back,
and they will drink the water
he so freely gives.#73.10 gives: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 10.
11Only evil people would say,
“God Most High cannot
know everything!”
12Yet all goes well for them,
and they live in peace.
13What good did it do me
to keep my thoughts pure
and refuse to do wrong?
14I am sick all day,
and I am punished
each morning.
15If I had said evil things,
I would not have been loyal
to your people.
16It was hard for me
to understand all this!
17Then I went to your temple,
and there I understood
what will happen
to my enemies.
18You will make them stumble,
never to get up again.
19They will be terrified,
suddenly swept away
and no longer there.
20They will disappear, Lord,
despised like a bad dream
the morning after.
21Once I was bitter
and brokenhearted.
22I was stupid and ignorant,
and I treated you
as a wild animal would.
23But I never really left you,
and you hold my right hand.
24Your advice has been my guide,
and later you will welcome me
in glory.#73.24 in glory: Or “with honor.”
25In heaven I have only you,
and on this earth
you are all I want.
26My body and mind may fail,
but you are my strength
and my choice forever.
27All-Powerful Lord God,
those who stay far from you
will be lost,
and you will destroy those
who are unfaithful.
28It is good for me
to be near you.
I choose you as my protector,
and I will tell about
your wonderful deeds.
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
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