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New Testament
Psalm 73
BOOK III: PSALMS 73-89
Psalm 73
Why Do the Wicked Prosper?
The Problem
1Surely God is good to Israel, to the pure in heart.
2But as for me, my feet almost slipped out from under me.
3I even envied the arrogant when I observed the peace of the wicked.
The Prosperity of the Wicked
4For there are no struggles at their death.
Their bodies are stout.
5They do not have the trouble common to people.
They are not plagued along with the rest of mankind.
6Therefore pride is their necklace.
They wear violence like clothing.
The schemes of their hearts step over boundaries.
8They mock. They speak maliciously.
From a high perch they threaten oppression.
9They set their mouths against the heavens.
Their tongues strut around on earth.
10Therefore God's people turn to them,
11They say, “How can God know?
Does the Most High have knowledge?”
12See, this is what the wicked are like—
secure forever, they increase in strength.
The Turning Point
13Have I really kept my heart pure for nothing?
Have I kept my hands clean in vain?
14I have been plagued all day.
My punishment comes every morning.
15If I had said, “I will speak like this,”
I would certainly have betrayed the circle of your children.
16When I tried to understand this, it was very troubling to me,
17until I went to the sanctuary of God.
Then I understood their end.
The Solution
18Surely you place them on slippery places.
You cause them to fall into destruction.
19How quickly they come to ruin,
completely destroyed by terrors!
20They are like a dream when someone wakes up.
So when you arise, O Lord,
you will despise them like an illusion.
21Yes, my heart was bitter,
and I was torn up inside.
22I was unthinking and ignorant.
I was a dumb animal before you.
23Yet I am always with you.
You hold me by my right hand.
24With your guidance you lead me,
and afterward, you will take me to glory.
25Who else is there for me in heaven?
And besides you I desire no one else on earth.
26My flesh and my heart fail,
but God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever.
27No doubt about it!
Those who are far from you will perish.
You destroy all who commit adultery against you.
28As for me, God's nearness is good for me.
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
so that I can tell about all your works.
Footnotes
- 73:0 Asaph was a temple musician associated with David. Psalms 73–83 are a collection by Asaph.
- 73:2 Literally the verse reads I, almost my feet were stretched out, my steps were nearly poured out.
- 73:7 The translation is a literal rendering of the Hebrew. The Greek reads guilt flows from their fat hearts.
- 73:10 The meaning of this verse is not certain. Literally the Hebrew reads therefore his people turn to them, and they guzzle down waters in abundance.