Psalms 73 — NETB

A psalm by Asaph.

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