Psalm 73
1 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.
