BOOK THREE: Psalms 73—89
The Tragedy of the Wicked, and the Blessedness of Trust in God
A Psalm of
#
Asaph.
1 Truly Godisgood to Israel,
To such as are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
# My steps had nearlyslipped.
3 For Iwasenvious of the boastful,
# When I saw the prosperity of thewicked.
4 Forthereareno pangs in their death,
But their strengthisfirm.
5 Theyarenot in troubleasothermen,
Nor are they plagued likeothermen.
6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace;
# Violence covers themlikea garment.
7 Their eyes bulge with abundance;
They have more than heart could wish.
8 They scoff and speak wickedlyconcerningoppression;
# Theyspeak loftily.
9 They set their mouthagainst the heavens,
And their tongue walks through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return here,
# And waters of a fullcupare drained by them.
11 And they say,“How does God know?
And is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12 Behold, thesearethe ungodly,
Who are always at ease;
They increaseinriches.
13 Surely I have cleansed my heartinvain,
And washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all day long I have been plagued,
And chastened every morning.
15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
16 When I thoughthowto understand this,
Itwastoo painful for me—
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
# ThenI understood theirend.
18 SurelyYou set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19 Oh, how they arebroughtto desolation, as in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream whenoneawakes,
So,Lord, when You awake,
You shall despise their image.
21 Thus my heart was grieved,
And I was vexed in my mind.
22 Iwasso foolish and ignorant;
I waslikea beast before You.
23 Nevertheless Iamcontinually with You;
You holdmeby my right hand.
24 You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive metoglory.
25 Whom have I in heavenbutYou?
Andthereisnone upon earththatI desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail;
# ButGodisthe strength of my heart and myportion forever.
27 For indeed,those who are far from You shall perish;
You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
28 Butitisgood for me todraw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord God,
# That I maydeclare all Your works.