Psalms 73
73
BOOK 3
A Psalm by Asaph.
1Surely God#73:1 The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim). is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2But as for me, my feet were almost gone.
My steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant,
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no struggles in their death,
but their strength is firm.
5 They are free from burdens of men,
neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck.
Violence covers them like a garment.
7 Their eyes bulge with fat.
Their minds pass the limits of conceit.
8 They scoff and speak with malice.
In arrogance, they threaten oppression.
9 They have set their mouth in the heavens.
Their tongue walks through the earth.
10 Therefore their people return to them,
and they drink up waters of abundance.
11 They say, “How does God know?
Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked.
Being always at ease, they increase in riches.
13Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain,
and washed my hands in innocence,
14 For all day long I have been plagued,
and punished every morning.
15 If I had said, “I will speak thus”,
behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
16 When I tried to understand this,
it was too painful for me—
17 until I entered God’s sanctuary,
and considered their latter end.
18 Surely you set them in slippery places.
You throw them down to destruction.
19How they are suddenly destroyed!
They are completely swept away with terrors.
20As a dream when one wakes up,
so, Lord,#73:20 The word translated “Lord” is “Adonai.” when you awake, you will despise their fantasies.
21 For my soul was grieved.
I was embittered in my heart.
22 I was so senseless and ignorant.
I was a brute beast before you.
23Nevertheless, I am continually with you.
You have held my right hand.
24 You will guide me with your counsel,
and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom do I have in heaven?
There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart fails,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish.
You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.
28 But it is good for me to come close to God.
I have made the Lord GOD#73:28 When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “Lord” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew “יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh). my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
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Psalms 73
73
Book Three
Psalms 73—89
The Justice of God#Ps 73 Hebrew title: By Asaph.
1God is indeed good to Israel,
to those who have pure hearts.
2But I had nearly lost confidence;
my faith was almost gone
3because I was jealous of the proud
when I saw that things go well for the wicked.
4They do not suffer pain;
they are strong and healthy.
5They do not suffer as other people do;
they do not have the troubles that others have.
6And so they wear pride like a necklace
and violence like a robe;
7their hearts pour out evil,#73.7 Some ancient translations their hearts pour out evil; Hebrew unclear.
and their minds are busy with wicked schemes.
8They laugh at other people and speak of evil things;
they are proud and make plans to oppress others.
9They speak evil of God in heaven
and give arrogant orders to everyone on earth,
10so that even God's people turn to them
and eagerly believe whatever they say.#73.10 Verse 10 in Hebrew is unclear.
11They say, “God will not know;
the Most High will not find out.”
12That is what the wicked are like.
They have plenty and are always getting more.
13Is it for nothing, then, that I have kept myself pure
and have not committed sin?
14O God, you have made me suffer all day long;
every morning you have punished me.
15If I had said such things,
I would not be acting as one of your people.
16I tried to think this problem through,
but it was too difficult for me
17until I went into your Temple.
Then I understood what will happen to the wicked.
18You will put them in slippery places
and make them fall to destruction!
19They are instantly destroyed;
they go down to a horrible end.
20They are like a dream that goes away in the morning;
when you rouse yourself, O Lord, they disappear.
21When my thoughts were bitter
and my feelings were hurt,
22I was as stupid as an animal;
I did not understand you.
23Yet I always stay close to you,
and you hold me by the hand.
24You guide me with your instruction
and at the end you will receive me with honour.
25What else have I in heaven but you?
Since I have you, what else could I want on earth?
26My mind and my body may grow weak,
but God is my strength;
he is all I ever need.
27Those who abandon you will certainly perish;
you will destroy those who are unfaithful to you.
28But as for me, how wonderful to be near God,
to find protection with the Sovereign LORD
and to proclaim all that he has done!
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Good News Bible. Scripture taken from the Good News Bible (r) (Today's English Version Second Edition, UK/British Edition). Copyright © 1992 British & Foreign Bible Society. Used by permission.