Psalm 7357

A psalm by Asaph.

73:1 Certainly God is good to Israel,1

and to those whose motives are pure!2

73:2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;

my feet almost slid out from under me.3

73:3 For I envied those who are proud,

as I observed4 the prosperity5 of the wicked.

73:4 For they suffer no pain;6

their bodies7 are strong and well-fed.8

73:5 They are immune to the trouble common to men;

they do not suffer as other men do.9

73:6 Arrogance is their necklace,10

and violence their clothing.11

73:7 Their prosperity causes them to do wrong;12

their thoughts are sinful.13

73:8 They mock14 and say evil things;15

they proudly threaten violence.16

73:9 They speak as if they rule in heaven,

and lay claim to the earth.17

73:10 Therefore they have more than enough food to eat,

and even suck up the water of the sea.18

73:11 They say, “How does God know what we do?

Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?”19

73:12 Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like,20

those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer.21

73:13 I concluded,22 “Surely in vain I have kept my motives23 pure

and maintained a pure lifestyle.24

73:14 I suffer all day long,

and am punished every morning.”

73:15 If I had publicized these thoughts,25

I would have betrayed your loyal followers.26

73:16 When I tried to make sense of this,

it was troubling to me.27

73:17 Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple,28

and understood the destiny of the wicked.29

73:18 Surely30 you put them in slippery places;

you bring them down31 to ruin.

73:19 How desolate they become in a mere moment!

Terrifying judgments make their demise complete!32

73:20 They are like a dream after one wakes up.33

O Lord, when you awake34 you will despise them.35

73:21 Yes,36 my spirit was bitter,37

and my insides felt sharp pain.38

73:22 I was ignorant39 and lacked insight;40

I was as senseless as an animal before you.41

73:23 But I am continually with you;

you hold my right hand.

73:24 You guide42 me by your wise advice,

and then you will lead me to a position of honor.43

73:25 Whom do I have in heaven but you?

I desire no one but you on earth.44

73:26 My flesh and my heart may grow weak,45

but God always46 protects my heart and gives me stability.47

73:27 Yes,48 look! Those far from you49 die;

you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you.50

73:28 But as for me, God’s presence is all I need.51

I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter,

as52 I declare all the things you have done.