Psalms 73
Book 3
(Psalms 73-89)
Psalm 731
A psalm by Asaph.
73:1 Certainly God is good to Israel,2
and to those whose motives are pure!3
73:2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
my feet almost slid out from under me.4
73:3 For I envied those who are proud,
as I observed5 the prosperity6 of the wicked.
73:4 For they suffer no pain;7
their bodies8 are strong and well-fed.9
73:5 They are immune to the trouble common to men;
they do not suffer as other men do.10
73:6 Arrogance is their necklace,11
and violence their clothing.12
73:7 Their prosperity causes them to do wrong;13
their thoughts are sinful.14
73:8 They mock15 and say evil things;16
they proudly threaten violence.17
73:9 They speak as if they rule in heaven,
and lay claim to the earth.18
73:10 Therefore they have more than enough food to eat,
and even suck up the water of the sea.19
73:11 They say, “How does God know what we do?
Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?”20
73:12 Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like,21
those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer.22
73:13 I concluded,23 “Surely in vain I have kept my motives24 pure
and maintained a pure lifestyle.25
and am punished every morning.”
73:15 If I had publicized these thoughts,26
I would have betrayed your loyal followers.27
73:16 When I tried to make sense of this,
it was troubling to me.28
73:17 Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple,29
and understood the destiny of the wicked.30
73:18 Surely31 you put them in slippery places;
you bring them down32 to ruin.
73:19 How desolate they become in a mere moment!
Terrifying judgments make their demise complete!33
73:20 They are like a dream after one wakes up.34
O Lord, when you awake35 you will despise them.36
73:21 Yes,37 my spirit was bitter,38
and my insides felt sharp pain.39
73:22 I was ignorant40 and lacked insight;41
I was as senseless as an animal before you.42
73:23 But I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
73:24 You guide43 me by your wise advice,
and then you will lead me to a position of honor.44
73:25 Whom do I have in heaven but you?
I desire no one but you on earth.45
73:26 My flesh and my heart may grow weak,46
but God always47 protects my heart and gives me stability.48
73:27 Yes,49 look! Those far from you50 die;
you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you.51
73:28 But as for me, God’s presence is all I need.52
I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter,
as53 I declare all the things you have done.