Study Desk

BOOK III

Psalms 73–89

A psalm of Asaph.

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.^(a)

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;^(b) I had nearly lost my foothold.^(c)

For I envied^(d) the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.^(e)

They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.^[a]

They are free^(f) from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.

Therefore pride^(g) is their necklace;^(h) they clothe themselves with violence.⁽ⁱ⁾

From their callous hearts^(j) comes iniquity^[b]; their evil imaginations have no limits.

They scoff, and speak with malice;^(k) with arrogance^(l) they threaten oppression.^(m)

Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.

Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.^[c]

They say, "How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?"

This is what the wicked are like— always free of care,⁽ⁿ⁾ they go on amassing wealth.^(o)

Surely in vain^(p) I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.^(q)

All day long I have been afflicted,^(r) and every morning brings new punishments.

If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.

When I tried to understand^(s) all this, it troubled me deeply

till I entered the sanctuary^(t) of God; then I understood their final destiny.^(u)

Surely you place them on slippery ground;^(v) you cast them down to ruin.^(w)

How suddenly^(x) are they destroyed, completely swept away^(y) by terrors!

They are like a dream^(z) when one awakes;^(aa) when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.^(ab)

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,

I was senseless^(ac) and ignorant; I was a brute beast^(ad) before you.

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.^(ae)

You guide^(af) me with your counsel,^(ag) and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?^(ah) And earth has nothing I desire besides you.^(ai)

My flesh and my heart^(aj) may fail,^(ak) but God is the strength^(al) of my heart and my portion^(am) forever.

Those who are far from you will perish;^(an) you destroy all who are unfaithful^(ao) to you.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.^(ap) I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;^(aq) I will tell of all your deeds.^(ar)

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

You, Lord , showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes^(a) of Jacob.

You forgave^(b) the iniquity^(c) of your people and covered all their sins.^[b]

You set aside all your wrath^(d) and turned from your fierce anger.^(e)

Restore^(f) us again, God our Savior,^(g) and put away your displeasure toward us.

Will you be angry with us forever?^(h) Will you prolong your anger through all generations?

Will you not revive⁽ⁱ⁾ us again, that your people may rejoice^(j) in you?

Show us your unfailing love,^(k) Lord , and grant us your salvation.^(l)

I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace^(m) to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly.⁽ⁿ⁾

Surely his salvation^(o) is near those who fear him, that his glory^(p) may dwell in our land.

Love and faithfulness^(q) meet together; righteousness^(r) and peace kiss each other.

Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness^(s) looks down from heaven.

The Lord will indeed give what is good,^(t) and our land will yield^(u) its harvest.

Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.