|
|
The Book of Psalms
CHAPTER 73. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a pure heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no pains in their death: and their bodies are sound.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride is their neckless; violence covereth them as a garment.
7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: their heart runneth over with folly.
8 They mock, and speak wickedly; they speak loftily concerning oppression.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh proudly through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of abundance are drunk by them.
11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Behold, these are the wicked, which are always at ease; they increase in riches.
13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should have betrayed the generation of thy children.
16 When I thought to understand this, it was too painful for me;
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How are they brought into destruction, as in a moment! they are utterly swept away with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21 When my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my heart.
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou dost hold me by my right hand.
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is nothing upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that are unfaithful to thee.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have taken refuge in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
