Psalm 73
8,6,8,6
^1Yet God is good to Israel,
to each pure-hearted one.
^2But as for me, my steps near slipp'd,
my feet were almost gone.
^3For I envious was, and grudg'd
the foolish folk to see,
When I perceiv'd the wicked sort
enjoy prosperity.
^4For still their strength continueth firm;
their death of bands is free.
^5They are not toil'd like other men,
nor plagu'd, as others be.
^6Therefore their pride, like to a chain,
them compasseth about;
And, as a garment, violence
doth cover them throughout.
^7Their eyes stand out with fat; they have
more than their hearts could wish.
^8They are corrupt; their talk of wrong
both lewd and lofty is.
^9They set their mouth against the heav'ns
in their blasphemous talk;
And their reproaching tongue throughout
the earth at large doth walk.
^10His people oftentimes for this
look back, and turn about;
Sith waters of so full a cup
to these are poured out.
^11And thus they say, How can it be
that God these things doth know?
Or, Can there in the Highest be
knowledge of things below?
^12Behold, these are the wicked ones,
yet prosper at their will
In worldly things; they do increase
in wealth and riches still.
^13I verily have done in vain
my heart to purify;
To no effect in innocence
washed my hands have I.
^14For daily, and all day throughout,
great plagues I suffer'd have;
Yea, ev'ry morning I of new
did chastisement receive.
^15If in this manner foolishly
to speak I would intend,
Thy children's generation,
behold, I should offend.
^16When I this thought to know, it was
too hard a thing for me;
^17Till to God's sanctuary I went,
then I their end did see.
^18Assuredly thou didst them set
a slipp'ry place upon;
Them suddenly thou castedst down
into destruction.
^19How in a moment suddenly
to ruin brought are they!
With fearful terrors utterly
they are consum'd away.
^20Ev'n like unto a dream, when one
from sleeping doth arise;
So thou, O Lord, when thou awak'st,
their image shalt despise.
^21Thus grieved was my heart in me,
and me my reins opprest:
^22So rude was I, and ignorant,
and in thy sight a beast.
^23Nevertheless continually,
O Lord, I am with thee:
Thou dost me hold by my right hand,
and still upholdest me.
^24Thou, with thy counsel, while I live,
wilt me conduct and guide;
And to thy glory afterward
receive me to abide.
^25Whom have I in the heavens high
but thee, O Lord, alone?
And in the earth whom I desire
besides thee there is none.
^26My flesh and heart doth faint and fail,
but God doth fail me never:
For of my heart God is the strength
and portion for ever.
^27For, lo, they that are far from thee
for ever perish shall;
Them that a whoring from thee go
thou hast destroyed all.
^28But surely it is good for me
that I draw near to God:
In God I trust, that all thy works
I may declare abroad.