Chapter 73

  Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart.  

--

  But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped.  

--

  For I was envious of the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.  

--

  For there are no struggles in their death, But their strength is firm.  

--

  They are free from burdens of men, Neither are they plagued like other men.  

--

  Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.  

--

  Their eyes bulge with fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit.  

--

  They scoff and speak with malice. In arrogance, they threaten oppression.  

--

  They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth.  

--

  Therefore their people return to them, And they drink up waters of abundance.  

--

  They say, 'How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?'  

--

  Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches.  

--

  Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart, And washed my hands in innocence,  

--

  For all day long have I been plagued, And punished every morning.  

--

  If I had said, 'I will speak thus;' Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children.  

--

  When I tried to understand this, It was too painful for me;  

--

  Until I entered God's sanctuary, And considered their latter end.  

--

  Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction.  

--

  How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors.  

--

  As a dream when one wakes up, So, Lord, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies.  

--

  For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart.  

--

  I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you.  

--

  Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand.  

--

  You will guide me with your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.  

--

  Who do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth who I desire besides you.  

--

  My flesh and my heart fails, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  

--

  For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.  

--

  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.  

--