Psalms 73

God's Ways Vindicated

1

A psalm of Asaph.

1 God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.
3 For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.[a]
4 They have an easy time until they die,[b] and their bodies are well-fed.[c]
5 They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people.
6 Therefore, pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment.
7 Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
8 They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth.
10 Therefore His people turn to them[d] and drink in their overflowing waters.[e]
11 They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High know everything?"[f]
12 Look at them-the wicked! They are always at ease, and they increase their wealth.
13 Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence[g] for nothing?
14 For I am afflicted all day long, and punished every morning.
15 If I had decided to say these things [aloud], I would have betrayed Your people.[h]
16 When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless[i]
17 until I entered God's sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.[j]
18 Indeed You put them in slippery places; You make them fall into ruin.
19 How suddenly they become a desolation! They come to an end, swept away by terrors.
20 Like one waking from a dream, Lord, when arising, You will despise their image.[k]
21 When I became embittered and my innermost being[l] was wounded,
22 I was a fool and didn't understand; I was an unthinking animal toward You.
23 Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with Your counsel, and afterwards You will take me up in glory.[m]
25 Whom do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength[n] of my heart, my portion forever.[o]
27 Those far from You will certainly perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
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.

Images for Psalms 73

Footnotes 15

  • [a]. Ps 37:1; Pr 23:17; 24:1
  • [b]. Lit For there are no pangs to their death
  • [c]. Lit fat
  • [d]. Lit turn here
  • [e]. Lit and waters of fullness are drained by them
  • [f]. Ps 10:4,11; Isa 29:15
  • [g]. Ps 24:4; 26:6; Mt 27:24
  • [h]. Lit betrayed the generation of Your sons
  • [i]. Lit it was trouble in my eyes
  • [j]. Dt 32:20; Pr 14:12; Jr 29:11
  • [k]. Ps 35:23; 59:5
  • [l]. Lit my kidneys
  • [m]. Or will receive me with honor
  • [n]. Lit rock
  • [o]. 1 Sm 2:2; 2 Sm 22:31-32; Isa 26:4

Psalms 73 Commentaries

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