Psalms 73
1. <<A Psalm of Asaph.>> Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2. But as for me, my feet were almost gone * ; my steps had well nigh slipped * .
3. For I was envious * at the foolish * , when I saw * the prosperity of the wicked.
4. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5. They are not in trouble as other men;neither are they plagued * like other men.
6. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain * ; violence covereth * them as a garment.
7. Their eyes stand out * with fatness: they have more * than heart could wish.
8. They are corrupt * , and speak * wickedly concerning oppression: they speak * loftily.
9. They set * their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh * through the earth.
10. Therefore his people return * hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out * to them.
11. And they say * , How doth God know * ? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12. Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase * in riches.
13. Verily I have cleansed * my heart in vain, and washed * my hands in innocency.
14. For all the day long have I been plagued * , and chastened every morning.
15. If I say * , I will speak * thus; behold, I should offend * against the generation of thy children.
16. When I thought * to know * this, it was too painful for me;
17. Until I went * into the sanctuary of God; then understood * I their end.
18. Surely thou didst set * them in slippery places: thou castedst them down * into destruction.
19. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment ! they are utterly * consumed * with terrors.
20. As a dream when one awaketh * ; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise * their image.
21. Thus my heart was grieved * , and I was pricked * in my reins.
22. So foolish was I, and ignorant * : I was as a beast before thee.
23. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden * me by my right hand.
24. Thou shalt guide * me with thy counsel,and afterward receive * me to glory.
25. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire * beside thee.
26. My flesh and my heart faileth * : but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish * : thou hast destroyed * all them that go a whoring * from thee.
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.
