Chapter 73

 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart. 

 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 

 For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 

 For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm. 

 They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they plagued like [other] men. 

 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment. 

 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 

 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression: they speak loftily. 

 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. 

 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full [cup] are wrung out to them. 

 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? 

 Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches. 

 Verily I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocency. 

 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. 

 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children. 

 When I thought to know this, it [was] too painful for me; 

 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] understood I their end. 

 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. 

 How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. 

 As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. 

 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. 

 So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee. 

 Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand. 

 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory. 

 Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee. 

 My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 

 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. 

 But [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.