Psalm 73

A translation of Psalm 73—in which Asaph overcomes envy by a vision of God.

A psalm of Asaph

God is indeed good to Israel, to those who are pure of heart.

But I, well, my feet nearly fell down. My steps nearly slipped away, because I envied fools. I saw the well-being of evil people.

They don't suffer before their death; their bodies are healthy.

They don't experience the trouble of mankind; They are not tormented together with humanity.

Therefore, pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment.

Their eyes bulge out from fatness; They overreach the heart's imagination.

They mock, and they wickedly speak of oppression; They speak condescendingly.

They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues glide across the earth.

Therefore, his people turn to him here, and they drink in their waters of fullness.

But they say: "How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?"

Behold, these are the wicked, always at ease; they increase their wealth.

Surely, I cleansed my heart, and I cleansed my hands in innocence for nothing.

I am afflicted every day, and my punishment comes at every morning.

Had I decided to recount these things in this way, then I would have betrayed a generation of your children.

When I tried to comprehend this, it seemed troublesome in my eyes until I came to the sanctuary of God. I understood their destiny.

Surely, you have put them in slippery places; you make them fall into ruin.

How suddenly do they become a desolation! They come to an end. They are annihilated because of a sudden terror.

Like one awakes from a dream, as you awake, O Lord, you despise their image.

When my heart became embittered, I pierced my inner-self.

But I was stupid and I did not understand; I was an animal to you.

Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand.

You lead me with your counsel, and afterwards, you will take me in glory.

Whom do I have in heaven if not you? I desire nothing else on earth.

My flesh and my heart fail; you, O God, are the rock of my heart and my portion forever!

Behold, those who are for from you will certainly perish; you destroy all those who abandon you to fornicate.

But I, well, my good is God's presence. I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge, so that I can speak of all your works.