BOOK III

Psalms 73–89

Surely God Is Good to Israel

1A Psalm of Asaph. How good is God to Israel, to those who are upright in heart.

2But my feet were nearly moved; my steps had nearly slipped.

3For I was zealous over the iniquitous, seeing the peacefulness of sinners.

4For they have no respect for their death, nor do they have support in their wounds.

5They are not with the hardships of men, nor will they be scourged with men.

6Therefore, arrogance has held on to them. They have been covered with their iniquity and impiety.

7Their iniquity has proceeded, as if from fat. They have parted from the affection of the heart.

8They have thought and spoken wickedness. They have spoken iniquity in high places.

9They have set their mouth against heaven, and their tongue has traversed the earth.

10Therefore, my people will be converted here, and fullness of days will be found in them.

11And they said, “How would God know?” and, “Isn’t there knowledge in high places?”

12Behold, these are sinners, and, abounding in this age, they have obtained riches.

13And I said: So then, it is without purpose that I have justified my heart and washed my hands among the innocent.

14And I have been scourged all day long, and I have received my chastisement in the mornings.

15If I were to say that I would explain this: Behold, I would condemn this nation of your sons.

16I considered, so that I might know this. It is a hardship before me,

17until I may enter into the Sanctuary of God, and understand it to its last part.

18So, because of deceitfulness, truly, you have placed it before them. While they were being lifted up, you were casting them down.

19How have they been brought to desolation? They have suddenly failed. They have perished because of their iniquity.

20As a dream is to those who awaken, O Lord, so will you reduce their image to nothing in your city.

21For my heart has been inflamed, and my temperament has been changed.

22And so, I have been reduced to nothing, and I did not know it.

23I have become like a beast of burden to you, and I am always with you.

24You have held my right hand. And in your will, you have conducted me, and with your glory, you have taken me up.

25For what is there for me in heaven? And what do I wish for on earth before you?

26My body has failed, and my heart: O God of my heart, and God my portion, into eternity.

27For behold, those who put themselves far from you will perish. You have perished all those who fornicate away from you.

28But it is good for me to adhere to God, to put my hope in the Lord God, so that I may announce all your prophecies, at the gates of the daughter of Zion.