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A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart (73:1) But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped (73:2) For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (73:3) For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm (73:4) They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men (73:5) Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment (73:6) Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish (73:7) They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily (73:8) They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth (73:9) Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them (73:10) And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High (73:11) Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches (73:12) Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency (73:13) For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning (73:14) If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children (73:15) When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me (73:16) Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end (73:17) Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction (73:18) How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors (73:19) As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image (73:20) Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins (73:21) So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee (73:22) Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand (73:23) Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory (73:24) Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee (73:25) My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever (73:26) For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee (73:27) But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works
(73:28)
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