AFV2020 - Psalms - 73

73:1  A Psalm of Asaph.Truly God is good to Israel, even to those who are pure of heart.

73:2  But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped,

73:3  For I was envious at the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked,

73:4  For there are no pangs in their death, and their strength is firm.

73:5  They are not in trouble like other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

73:6  Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.

73:7  Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than the heart could wish for.

73:8  They scoff and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

73:9  They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.

73:10  Therefore waters of abundance are drunk by them.

73:11  And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?"

73:12  Behold, these are the wicked, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

73:13  Surely I have made my heart pure in vain and washed my hands in innocence,

73:14  For all the day long I have been plagued and chastened every morning.

73:15  If I say, "I will speak thus;" behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children.

73:16  When I thought to understand this, it was too painful for me

73:17  Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.

73:18  Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down into destruction.

73:19  How have they been brought into desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors,

73:20  Like a dream when one awakens; so, O LORD, when You awake, You shall despise their image,

73:21  For thus my heart was grieved and I was pricked in my reins.

73:22  So foolish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.

73:23  Nevertheless I am always with You; You have held me by my right hand.

73:24  You shall guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

73:25  Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You I desire none upon earth.

73:26  My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever,

73:27  For lo, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all who go awhoring from You.

73:28  And me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the LORD God my refuge, that I may declare all Your works.