| Chapter 73 |
1 |
Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart.
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2 |
But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped.
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3 |
For I was envious of the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
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4 |
For there are no struggles in their death, But their strength is firm.
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5 |
They are free from burdens of men, Neither are they plagued like other men.
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6 |
Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.
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7 |
Their eyes bulge with fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit.
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8 |
They scoff and speak with malice. In arrogance, they threaten oppression.
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9 |
They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth.
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10 |
Therefore their people return to them, And they drink up waters of abundance.
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11 |
They say, 'How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?'
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12 |
Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches.
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13 |
Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart, And washed my hands in innocence,
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14 |
For all day long have I been plagued, And punished every morning.
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15 |
If I had said, 'I will speak thus;' Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
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16 |
When I tried to understand this, It was too painful for me;
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17 |
Until I entered God's sanctuary, And considered their latter end.
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18 |
Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction.
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19 |
How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors.
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20 |
As a dream when one wakes up, So, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies.
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21 |
For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart.
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22 |
I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you.
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23 |
Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand.
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24 |
You will guide me with your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.
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25 |
Who do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth who I desire besides you.
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26 |
My flesh and my heart fails, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
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27 |
For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.
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28 |
But it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge, That I may tell of all your works. Psalm 74 A contemplation by Asaph.
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