Psalm 73
Quam bonus Isræl!
1
Truly, God is loving to Israel, *
even to those who have a clean heart.
2
Nevertheless, my feet had almost stumbled; *
my steps had nearly slipped.
3
For I was envious of the proud *
when I saw the ungodly in such prosperity.
4
For they are in no fear of death, *
but their bodies are healthy and strong.
5
They come to no misfortune like other folk, *
neither are they afflicted like others.
6
Therefore, they wear pride as a necklace, *
and they wrap themselves with violence as with a garment.
7
Their eyes swell with greed, *
and their hearts overflow with wicked thoughts.
8
Their talk is malice and mockery; *
they have proud looks, and tyrannous words are on their lips.
9
For they set their mouth against the heavens, *
and their evil speech spreads through the world.
10
Therefore the people turn to them, *
and find no fault in them.
11
They say, “How should God perceive it? *
Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12
Behold, these are the ungodly; *
they prosper in their ways, and they have riches in possession.
13
I said, “Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart *
and washed my hands in innocence.”
14
All the day long have I been afflicted, *
and chastened every morning.
15
Indeed, had I spoken as they do, *
then would I have betrayed the generation of your children.
16
When I sought to understand this, *
it was too hard for me,
17
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; *
then I understood their end.
18
Surely, you set them in slippery places, *
and cast them down, and destroy them.
19
Oh, how suddenly are they consumed; *
they perish and come to a fearful end.
20
Indeed, like a dream when one awakens, *
so shall you make their image vanish out of the city.
21
Thus my heart was grieved, *
and I was wounded within;
22
So foolish was I, and ignorant, *
as if I were a beast before you.
23
Nevertheless, I am always with you, *
for you hold me by my right hand.
24
You shall guide me with your counsel, *
and after that receive me with glory.
25
Whom have I in heaven but you? *
And there is no one on earth whom I desire in comparison with you.
26
Though my flesh and my heart fail me, *
God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27
For behold, those who forsake you shall perish; *
you destroy all those who are unfaithful to you.
28
But it is good for me to hold fast to God, to put my trust in the Lord God, *
and to speak of all your works in the gates of the city of Zion.