Psalms Chapter 73
BOOK 3
A Psalm of Asaph
1 God is good to Israel,
to those whose hearts are pure.
2 I’d almost stumbled; my steps almost slipped;
3because I envied the prosperity of the arrogant.
4 They don’t seem to suffer when they die;
their bodies are healthy and well.
5 They don’t have trouble like other people;
they aren’t stricken like everyone else.
6 So pride is the gold chain around their neck;
violence is their clothes.
7 Their eyes are puffy with fatness;
they have everything they could want.
8 They mock, and talk about oppressing,
and talk down to the oppressed.
9 They brag against the sky itself;
their words strut across the world.
Ps 73:1-9
10 So his people turn to them
and drink in all their claims.
11 They say, “How does God know any of this?
Does the Most High even know what’s happening?”
12 They’re the sinful,
always at ease as their wealth grows.
13 It seems like I’ve kept my heart pure for nothing
and washed my hands in innocence for no reason,
14because I’m stricken all day
and endure grief every morning.
Ps 73:10-14
15 If I’d talked the way I felt,
I’d have betrayed your people.
16 When I tried to understand why sinners prosper,
I was troubled by it
17 till I went to God’s sanctuary;
then I understood their destiny.
18 You put them on slippery places
and make them slide into ruin.
19 They’re quickly destroyed,
completely swept away by sudden desolation!
20 They’re like dreamers when they wake up, Yahveh;
their phantoms disappear.
Ps 73:15-20
21 When I was bitter and in turmoil inside,
22I was senseless and ignorant
like an animal in your presence.
23 Nevertheless, I’m continually with you;
you’ve taken me by the hand.
24 You’ll guide me with your advice
and afterward receive me into glory.
25 Who do I have in heaven but you?
I want you more than anything on earth.
26 My own flesh and heart may grow weak,
but you’re my strength and portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you perish;
you destroy those who are not faithful to you.
28 Your nearness to me is good for me;
I’ve made you my refuge
so I can tell everybody how you operate.
Ps 73:21-28