Psalm 7356
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 mock 14
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 sovereign Master, 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.