Psalms 73 WBT
Summary: Attributed to Asaph and opening Book III, Psalm 73 wrestles directly with the prosperity of the wicked, confessing that the psalmist's feet had "almost stumbled" with envy on seeing the arrogant "always at ease" and increasing in riches (v. 2-3, 12). The turning point comes not through argument but worship, "until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end" (v. 17), where their apparent security is revealed as standing "on slippery ground." It closes with one of the Psalter's most quoted affirmations of God over circumstance, "my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (v. 26).
1A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart.
2But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm.
5They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they afflicted like [other] men.
6Therefore pride encompasseth them as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment.
7Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression: they speak loftily.
9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full [cup] are wrung out to them.
11And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?
12Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.
13Verily I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocence.
14For all the day long have I been afflicted, and chastened every morning.
15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children.
16When I thought to know this, it [was] too painful for me;
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] I understood their end.
18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou didst cast them down into destruction.
19How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou wilt despise their image.
21Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee.
23Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast held [me] by my right hand.
24Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.
25Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire besides thee.
26My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27For lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go astray from thee.
28But [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.
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