Psalms 73 : 1 (ERVEN)
Asaph's song of praise. God is so good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.
Psalms 73 : 2 (ERVEN)
But I almost slipped and lost my balance. I almost fell into sin.
Psalms 73 : 3 (ERVEN)
I saw that wicked people were successful, and I became jealous of those proud people.
Psalms 73 : 4 (ERVEN)
They are healthy. They don't have to struggle to survive.
Psalms 73 : 5 (ERVEN)
They don't suffer like the rest of us. They don't have troubles like other people.
Psalms 73 : 6 (ERVEN)
So they are proud and hateful. This is as easy to see as the jewels and fancy clothes they wear.
Psalms 73 : 7 (ERVEN)
If they see something they like, they go and take it. They do whatever they want.
Psalms 73 : 8 (ERVEN)
They make fun of others and say cruel things about them. In their pride they make plans to hurt people.
Psalms 73 : 9 (ERVEN)
They think they are gods! They think they are the rulers of the earth.
Psalms 73 : 10 (ERVEN)
Even God's people turn to them and do what they say.
Psalms 73 : 11 (ERVEN)
Those evil people say, "God does not know what we are doing! God Most High does not know!"
Psalms 73 : 12 (ERVEN)
Those proud people are wicked, but they are rich and getting richer.
Psalms 73 : 13 (ERVEN)
Clearly, then, I gain nothing by keeping my thoughts pure! What good is it to keep myself from sin?
Psalms 73 : 14 (ERVEN)
God, I suffer all day long, and you punish me every morning.
Psalms 73 : 15 (ERVEN)
I wanted to tell others these things, but that would have made me a traitor to your people.
Psalms 73 : 16 (ERVEN)
I tried hard to understand all this, but it was too hard for me.
Psalms 73 : 17 (ERVEN)
But then, God, I went to your Temple, and I understood what will happen to the wicked.
Psalms 73 : 18 (ERVEN)
Clearly, you have put them in danger. You make it easy for them to fall and be destroyed.
Psalms 73 : 19 (ERVEN)
Trouble can come suddenly, and they will be ruined. Terrible things can happen to them, and they will be finished.
Psalms 73 : 20 (ERVEN)
Then they will be like a dream that we forget when we wake up. You will make them disappear like the monsters in our dreams.
Psalms 73 : 21 (ERVEN)
I was so stupid. I thought about such people and became upset. God, I was upset and angry with you! I acted like a senseless animal.
Psalms 73 : 23 (ERVEN)
But I am always with you. You hold my hand.
Psalms 73 : 24 (ERVEN)
You lead me and give me good advice, and later you will lead me to glory.
Psalms 73 : 25 (ERVEN)
In heaven, God, I have only you. And if I am with you, what on earth could I want?
Psalms 73 : 26 (ERVEN)
Maybe my mind and body will become weak, but God is my source of strength. He is mine forever!
Psalms 73 : 27 (ERVEN)
God, people who leave you will be lost. You will destroy all who are not faithful to you.
Psalms 73 : 28 (ERVEN)
As for me, all I need is to be close to God. I have made the Lord God my place of safety. And, God, I will tell about all that you have done.
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