Chapter 73
001
(A Psalm by Asaph.) Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
002
But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped.
003
For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
004
For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm.
005
They are free from burdens of women, neither are they plagued like other women.
006
Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.
007
Their eyes bulge with fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit.
008
They scoff and speak with malice. In arrogance, they threaten oppression.
009
They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth.
010
Therefore their people return to them, and they drink up waters of abundance.
011
They say, "How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?"
012
Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches.
013
Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocence,
014
For all day long have I been plagued, and punished every morning.
015
If I had said, "I will speak thus;" behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
016
When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me;
017
Until I entered God's sanctuary, and considered their latter end.
018
Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction.
019
How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors.
020
As a dream when one wakes up, so, Domina, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies.
021
For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart.
022
I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you.
023
Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand.
024
You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
025
Who do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth who I desire besides you.
026
My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
027
For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.
028
But it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the Domina Yahweh my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.