Psalms

¹ –89 Psalm 73 A psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

² I had nearly lost my foothold.

³ when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

⁴ their bodies are healthy and strong.

⁵ they are not plagued by human ills.

⁶ they clothe themselves with violence.

⁷ the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

⁸ in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

⁹ and their tongues take possession of the earth.

¹⁰ and drink up waters in abundance.

¹¹ Does the Most High have knowledge?”

¹² always carefree, they increase in wealth.

¹³ in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

¹⁴ I have been punished every morning.

¹⁵ I would have betrayed your children.

¹⁶ it was oppressive to me

¹⁷ then I understood their final destiny.

¹⁸ you cast them down to ruin.

¹⁹ completely swept away by terrors!

²⁰ so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

²¹ and my spirit embittered,

²² I was a brute beast before you.

²³ you hold me by my right hand.

²⁴ and afterward you will take me into glory.

²⁵ And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

²⁶ but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

²⁷ you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

²⁸ I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.