Psalms 73

(Psalms 73–89)

God’s Ways Vindicated

A psalm of Asaph. # 73:title 1Ch 16:5,7

1 God is indeed good to Israel,

to the pure in heart.  * 73:1 Ps 24:4; 51:10; Mt 5:8

2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;

my steps nearly went astray.  * 73:2 Ps 17:5; 66:9; 94:18

3 For I envied the arrogant;

I saw the prosperity of the wicked.  * 73:3 Ps 37:1; Pr 23:17; 24:1

4 They have an easy time until they die,  * 73:4 Lit For there are no pangs to their death

and their bodies are well fed.  * 73:4 Lit fat,* 73:4 Jb 21:23–24

5 They are not in trouble like others;

they are not afflicted like most people.  * 73:5 Jb 21:4

6 Therefore, pride is their necklace,

and violence covers them like a garment.  * 73:6 Ps 37:35; Pr 16:29; 21:24

7 Their eyes bulge out from fatness;

the imaginations of their hearts run wild.  * 73:7 Jb 15:27; Jr 5:28

8 They mock, and they speak maliciously;

they arrogantly threaten oppression.  * 73:8 Ps 17:10; 2Pt 2:18; Jd 16

9 They set their mouths against heaven,

and their tongues strut across the earth.  * 73:9 Rv 13:6

10 Therefore his people turn to them  * 73:10 Lit turn here

and drink in their overflowing words.  * 73:10 Lit and waters of fullness are drained by them,* 73:10 Jb 15:16

11 The wicked say, "How can God know?

Does the Most High know everything? "  * 73:11 Jb 22:13; Ps 10:4,11; Is 29:15

12 Look at them — the wicked!

They are always at ease,

and they increase their wealth.  * 73:12 Ps 49:6; 52:7; Jr 49:31

13 Did I purify my heart

and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?  * 73:13 Ps 26:6; Mt 27:24

14 For I am afflicted all day long

and punished every morning.  * 73:14 Jb 33:19; Ps 38:6; 118:18

15 If I had decided to say these things aloud,

I would have betrayed your people.  * 73:15 Lit betrayed the generation of your sons,* 73:15 Ps 44:17; 89:33

16 When I tried to understand all this,

it seemed hopeless  * 73:16 Lit it was trouble in my eyes,* 73:16 Ec 8:17

17 until I entered God’s sanctuary.

Then I understood their destiny.  * 73:17 Jb 8:13; Ps 37:38

18 Indeed, you put them in slippery places;

you make them fall into ruin.  * 73:18 Ps 35:6,8

19 How suddenly they become a desolation!

They come to an end, swept away by terrors.  * 73:19 Nm 16:21; Jb 18:11; Is 47:11

20 Like one waking from a dream,

Lord, when arising, you will despise their image.  * 73:20 Ps 35:23; 59:5; 78:65

21 When I became embittered

and my innermost being  * 73:21 Lit my kidneys was wounded,  * 73:21 Ps 109:22

22 I was stupid and didn’t understand;

I was an unthinking animal toward you.  * 73:22 Jb 11:12; Ps 92:6

23 Yet I am always with you;

you hold my right hand.  * 73:23 Ps 63:8

24 You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me up in glory.  * 73:24 Or will receive me with honor,* 73:24 Ps 49:15; Is 58:11

25 Who do I have in heaven but you?

And I desire nothing on earth but you.  * 73:25 Ps 16:2; Php 3:8

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength  * 73:26 Lit rock of my heart,

my portion forever.  * 73:26 Ps 16:5; 38:10; 84:2

27 Those far from you will certainly perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.  * 73:27 1Ch 5:25; Ps 37:20

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.  * 73:28 Ps 40:5; 118:17