1
A psalm of Asaph.
Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart. |
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold. |
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong.1 73:4 With a different word division of the Hebrew; Masoretic Text struggles at their death; / their bodies are healthy |
5 They are free from the burdens common to man;
they are not plagued by human ills. |
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence. |
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity2 73:7 Syriac (see also Septuagint); Hebrew Their eyes bulge with fat ;
the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. |
8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
in their arrogance they threaten oppression. |
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth. |
10 Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance.3 73:10 The meaning of the Hebrew for this verse is uncertain. |
11 They say, "How can God know?
Does the Most High have knowledge?" |
12 This is what the wicked are like-
always carefree, they increase in wealth. |
13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure;
in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. |
14 All day long I have been plagued;
I have been punished every morning. |
15 If I had said, "I will speak thus,"
I would have betrayed your children. |
16 When I tried to understand all this,
it was oppressive to me |
17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny. |
18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;
you cast them down to ruin. |
19 How suddenly are they destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors! |
20 As a dream when one awakes,
so when you arise, O Lord,
you will despise them as fantasies. |
21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered, |
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you. |
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand. |
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory. |
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you. |
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. |
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. |
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds. |
