Psalm 73

A Psalm of Asaph.

1        Yet God is good to Israel,

                   to each pure-hearted one.

2        But as for me, my steps near slipp'd,

                   my feet were almost gone.

3        For I envious was, and grudg'd

                   the foolish folk to see,

          When I perceiv'd the wicked sort

                   enjoy prosperity.

4        For still their strength continueth firm;

                   their death of bands is free.

5        They are not toil'd like other men,

                   nor plagu'd, as others be.

6        Therefore their pride, like to a chain,

                   them compasseth about;

          And, as a garment, violence

                   doth cover them throughout.

7        Their eyes stand out with fat; they have

                   more than their hearts could wish.

8        They are corrupt; their talk of wrong

                   both lewd and lofty is.

9        They set their mouth against the heav'ns

                   in their blasphemous talk;

          And their reproaching tongue throughout

                   the earth at large doth walk.

10      His people oftentimes for this

                   look back, and turn about;

          Sith waters of so full a cup

                   to these are poured out.

11      And thus they say, How can it be

                   that God these things doth know?

          Or, Can there in the Highest be

                   knowledge of things below?

12      Behold, these are the wicked ones,

                   yet prosper at their will

          In worldly things; they do increase

                   in wealth and riches still.

13      I verily have done in vain

                   my heart to purify;

          To no effect in innocence

                   washed my hands have I.

14      For daily, and all day throughout,

                   great plagues I suffer'd have;

          Yea, ev'ry morning I of new

                   did chastisement receive.

15      If in this manner foolishly

                   to speak I would intend,

          Thy children's generation,

                   behold, I should offend.

16      When I this thought to know, it was

                   too hard a thing for me;

17      Till to God's sanctuary I went,

                   then I their end did see.

18      Assuredly thou didst them set

                   a slipp'ry place upon;

          Them suddenly thou castedst down

                   into destruction.

19      How in a moment suddenly

                   to ruin brought are they!

          With fearful terrors utterly

                   they are consum'd away.

20      Ev'n like unto a dream, when one

                   from sleeping doth arise;

          So thou, O Lord, when thou awak'st,

                   their image shalt despise.

21      Thus grieved was my heart in me,

                   and me my reins opprest:

22      So rude was I, and ignorant,

                   and in thy sight a beast.

23      Nevertheless continually,

                   O Lord, I am with thee:

          Thou dost me hold by my right hand,

                   and still upholdest me.

24      Thou, with thy counsel, while I live,

                   wilt me conduct and guide;

          And to thy glory afterward

                   receive me to abide.

25      Whom have I in the heavens high

                   but thee, O Lord, alone?

          And in the earth whom I desire

                   besides thee there is none.

26      My flesh and heart doth faint and fail,

                   but God doth fail me never:

          For of my heart God is the strength

                   and portion for ever.

27      For, lo, they that are far from thee

                   for ever perish shall;

          Them that a whoring from thee go

                   thou hast destroyed all.

28      But surely it is good for me

                   that I draw near to God:

          In God I trust, that all thy works

                   I may declare abroad.