Psalm 73

God’s Ways Vindicated

A psalm of * Asaph. r

1 God is indeed good to Israel,

to the pure in heart. s

2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;

my steps nearly went astray. t

3 For I envied the arrogant;

I saw the prosperity of the wicked. u

4 They have an easy time until they die, v

and their bodies are well fed. w x

5 They are not in trouble like others;

they are not afflicted like most people. y

6 Therefore, pride is their necklace,

and violence covers them like a garment. z

7 Their eyes bulge out from fatness;

the imaginations of their hearts run wild. a

8 They mock, and they speak maliciously;

they arrogantly threaten oppression. b

9 They set their mouths against heaven,

and their tongues strut across the earth. c

10 Therefore His people turn to them d

and drink in their overflowing words. e f

11 The wicked say, “How can God know?

Does the * Most High know everything?” g

12 Look at them—the wicked!

They are always at ease,

and they increase their wealth. h

13 Did I purify my heart

and wash my hands in innocence for nothing? i

14 For I am afflicted all day long

and punished every morning. j

15 If I had decided to say these things aloud,

I would have betrayed Your people. k l

16 When I tried to understand all this,

it seemed hopeless m n

17 until I entered God’s sanctuary.

Then I understood their destiny. o

18 Indeed, You put them in slippery places;

You make them fall into ruin. p

19 How suddenly they become a desolation!

They come to an end, swept away by terrors. q

20 Like one waking from a dream,

Lord, when arising, You will despise their image. r

21 When I became embittered

and my innermost being s was wounded, t

22 I was stupid and didn’t understand;

I was an unthinking animal toward You. u

23 Yet I am always with You;

You hold my right hand. v

24 You guide me with Your counsel,

and afterward You will take me up in glory. w x

25 Who do I have in heaven but You?

And I desire nothing on earth but You. y

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength z of my heart,

my portion forever. a

27 Those far from You will certainly perish;

You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. b

28 But as for me, God’s presence is my good.

I have made the Lord God my refuge,

so I can tell about all You do. c