Psalms 73 · Clearspring

Psalms 73–89

A Psalm of Asaph.

Surely God Is Good to Israel

¹Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.+ ²But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.+ ³For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.+ ⁴They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.+ ⁵They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.+ ⁶Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.+ ⁷From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.+ ⁸They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.+ ⁹They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.+ ¹⁰So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.+ ¹¹The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”+ ¹²Behold, these are the wicked — always carefree as they increase their wealth.+ ¹³Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.+ ¹⁴For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.+ ¹⁵If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.+ ¹⁶When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight+ ¹⁷until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.+ ¹⁸Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.+ ¹⁹How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!+ ²⁰Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.+ ²¹When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,+ ²²I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.+ ²³Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.+ ²⁴You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.+ ²⁵Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.+ ²⁶My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.+ ²⁷Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.+ ²⁸But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.+

Surely God Is Good to Israel

Study Psalm 73