Read the Bible

BOOK IIIPsalms 73-89Surely God is Good to Israel

¹ A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.² But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.³ For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.⁴ They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.⁵ They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.⁶ Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.⁷ From their prosperity proceeds iniquity^(a); the imaginations of their hearts run wild.⁸ They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.⁹ They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.¹⁰ So His people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.¹¹ The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”¹² Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth.¹³ Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.¹⁴ For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.

¹⁵ If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.¹⁶ When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight¹⁷ until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.¹⁸ Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.¹⁹ How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!²⁰ Like a dream when one awakens, upon arising, O Lord, You will despise their form.

²¹ When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,²² I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.²³ Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.²⁴ You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength^(a) of my heart and my portion forever.²⁷ Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.²⁸ But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.