Psalms

The third book of Psalms, song 73, New English Translation and King James Version

Psalm 73

New English Translation

A psalm by Asaph.

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

King James Version

A Psalm of Asaph.

   1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
   2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
   3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
   4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
   5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
   6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
   7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
   8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
   9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
   10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
   11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
   12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
   13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
   14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
   15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
   16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
   17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
   18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
   19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
   20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
   21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
   22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
   23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
   24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
   25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
   26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
   27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
   28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.