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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Psalms 73
73
BOOK THREE: Psalms 73—89
The Tragedy of the Wicked, and the Blessedness of Trust in God
A Psalm of #Ps. 50:titleAsaph.
1Truly God is good to Israel,
To such as are pure in heart.
2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
My steps had nearly #Job 12:5slipped.
3#Ps. 37:1, 7; (Prov. 23:17)For I was envious of the boastful,
When I saw the prosperity of the #Job 21:5–16; Jer. 12:1wicked.
4For there are no pangs in their death,
But their strength is firm.
5#Job 21:9They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like other men.
6Therefore pride serves as their necklace;
Violence covers them #Ps. 109:18like a garment.
7#Job 15:27; Jer. 5:28Their eyes bulge with abundance;
They have more than heart could wish.
8#Ps. 53:1They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression;
They #2 Pet. 2:18; Jude 16speak loftily.
9They set their mouth #Rev. 13:6against the heavens,
And their tongue walks through the earth.
10Therefore his people return here,
#(Ps. 75:8)And waters of a full cup are drained by them.
11And they say, #Job 22:13“How does God know?
And is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12Behold, these are the ungodly,
Who are always at ease;
They increase in riches.
13Surely I have cleansed my heart in #Job 21:15; 35:3; Mal. 3:14vain,
And washed my hands in innocence.
14For all day long I have been plagued,
And chastened every morning.
15If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
16When I thought how to understand this,
It was too painful for me—
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
Then I understood their #(Ps. 37:38; 55:23)end.
18Surely #Ps. 35:6You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20As a dream when one awakes,
So, Lord, when You awake,
You shall despise their image.
21Thus my heart was grieved,
And I was vexed in my mind.
22#Ps. 92:6I was so foolish and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
23Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You hold me by my right hand.
24#Ps. 32:8; 48:14; Is. 58:11You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.
25#(Phil. 3:8)Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26#Ps. 84:2My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my #Ps. 16:5portion forever.
27For indeed, #(Ps. 119:155)those who are far from You shall perish;
You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
28But it is good for me to #(Heb. 10:22; James 4:8)draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may #Ps. 116:10; 2 Cor. 4:13declare all Your works.
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The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.