Book 3
(Psalms 73-89)
A psalm by Asaph.
73:1 Certainly God is good to Israel, 2
and to those whose motives are pure! 3
73:2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
my feet almost slid out from under me. 4
73:3 For I envied those who are proud,
as I observed 5 the prosperity 6 of the wicked.
73:4 For they suffer no pain; 7
their bodies 8 are strong and well-fed. 9
73:5 They are immune to the trouble common to men;
they do not suffer as other men do. 10
73:6 Arrogance is their necklace, 11
and violence their clothing. 12
73:7 Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; 13
their thoughts are sinful. 14
73:8 They mock 15 and say evil things; 16
they proudly threaten violence. 17
73:9 They speak as if they rule in heaven,
and lay claim to the earth. 18
73:10 Therefore they have more than enough food to eat,
and even suck up the water of the sea. 19
73:11 They say, “How does God know what we do?
Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?” 20
73:12 Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like, 21
those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer. 22
73:13 I concluded, 23 “Surely in vain I have kept my motives 24 pure
and maintained a pure lifestyle. 25
73:14 I suffer all day long,
and am punished every morning.”
73:15 If I had publicized these thoughts, 26
I would have betrayed your loyal followers. 27
73:16 When I tried to make sense of this,
it was troubling to me. 28
73:17 Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple, 29
and understood the destiny of the wicked. 30
73:18 Surely 31 you put them in slippery places;
you bring them down 32 to ruin.
73:19 How desolate they become in a mere moment!
Terrifying judgments make their demise complete! 33
73:20 They are like a dream after one wakes up. 34
O Lord, when you awake 35 you will despise them. 36
73:21 Yes, 37 my spirit was bitter, 38
and my insides felt sharp pain. 39
73:22 I was ignorant 40 and lacked insight; 41
I was as senseless as an animal before you. 42
73:23 But I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
73:24 You guide 43 me by your wise advice,
and then you will lead me to a position of honor. 44
73:25 Whom do I have in heaven but you?
I desire no one but you on earth. 45
73:26 My flesh and my heart may grow weak, 46
but God always 47 protects my heart and gives me stability. 48
73:27 Yes, 49 look! Those far from you 50 die;
you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you. 51
73:28 But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. 52
I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter,
as 53 I declare all the things you have done.