73:1 | Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. |
73:2 | But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. |
73:3 | For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
73:4 | They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. |
73:5 | They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. |
73:6 | Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. |
73:7 | From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. |
73:8 | They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. |
73:9 | Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. |
73:10 | Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. |
73:11 | They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" |
73:12 | This is what the wicked are like--always carefree, they increase in wealth. |
73:13 | Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. |
73:14 | All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. |
73:15 | If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children. |
73:16 | When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me |
73:17 | till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. |
73:18 | Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. |
73:19 | How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! |
73:20 | As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. |
73:21 | When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, |
73:22 | I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. |
73:23 | Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. |
73:24 | You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. |
73:25 | Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. |
73:26 | My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. |
73:27 | Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. |
73:28 | But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. |
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