Psalms 73
BOOK THREE (Psalms 73:1–89:52)
These psalms celebrate the sovereignty of God, God’s hand in history, God’s faithfulness, and God’s covenant with David. These psalms remind us that our worship should be continual.
Theme: The temporary prosperity of the wicked and the lasting rewards of the righteous. We should live holy lives and trust God for our future rewards.
A Psalm of Asaph.
1Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. +
2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. +
3For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. +
4For there are no bands 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 compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. +
7Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. +
8They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. +
9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? +
12Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. +
13Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. +
14For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. +
15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; +
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. +
18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. +
20As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. +
23Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24Thou shalt 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 beside 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 go a whoring from thee. +
28But 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. +