Chapter 73

  A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart.  

  But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.  

  For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.  

  For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm.  

  They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they plagued like [other] men.  

  Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment.  

  Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.  

  They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression: they speak loftily.  

  They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.  

  Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full [cup] are wrung out to them.  

  And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?  

  Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.  

  Verily I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocency.  

  For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.  

  If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children.  

  When I thought to know this, it [was] too painful for me;  

  Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] understood I their end.  

  Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.  

  How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.  

  As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.  

  Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.  

  So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee.  

  Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand.  

  Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.  

  Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.  

  My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.  

  For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.  

  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.