Psalms - Chapter 73

1Surely God is good to Israel, `Even' to such as are pure in heart. 2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; My steps had well nigh slipped. 3For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4For there are no pangs in their death; But their strength is firm. 5They are not in trouble as `other' men; Neither are they plagued like `other' men. 6Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck; Violence covereth them as a garment. 7Their eyes stand out with fatness: They have more than heart could wish. 8They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression: They speak loftily. 9They have set their mouth in the heavens, And their tongue walketh through the earth. 10Therefore his people return hither: And waters of a full `cup' are drained by them. 11And they say, How doth God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High? 12Behold, these are the wicked; And, being alway at ease, they increase in riches. 13Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart, And washed my hands in innocency; 14For all the day long have I been plagued, And chastened every morning. 15If I had said, I will speak thus; Behold, I had dealt treacherously with the generation of thy children. 16When I thought how I might know this, It was too painful for me; 17Until I went into the sanctuary of God, And considered their latter end. 18Surely thou settest them in slippery places: Thou castest them down to destruction. 19How are they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. 20As a dream when one awaketh, So, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou wilt despise their image. 21For my soul was grieved, And I was pricked in my heart: 22So brutish was I, and ignorant; I was `as' a beast before thee. 23Nevertheless I am continually with thee: Thou hast holden my right hand. 24Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. 25Whom have I in heaven `but thee'? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. 26My flesh and my heart faileth; `But' God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever. 27For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: Thou hast destroyed all them that play the harlot, `departing' from thee. 28But it is good for me to draw near unto God: I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, That I may tell of all thy works. Psalm 74 Maschil of Asaph.