Psalm 73
Asaph nearly stumbles in faith when he sees the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer. But entering God's sanctuary gives him eternal perspective: the wicked stand on slippery ground. God is his strength and portion forever.
PsalmsPsalm 73 of 15028 versesBerean Standard Bible
If God speaks to you through Psalm 73, record what He said in Doxa and come back to it.
A Psalm of Asaph.
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.
They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.
Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.
From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.
So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.
The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”
Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth.
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.
For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.
When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight
until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.
Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.
How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,
I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.
Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.
You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.
Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.
Read next
How to Hear God’s Voice: A Practical Guide for BelieversScripture is the record of a God who speaks. This guide covers how to hear Him today and keep what He says.Cross-references for Psalm 73
“For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.”
“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.”
“More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ”
“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.”
“He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.”
Cross-references from OpenBible.info, licensed CC BY.
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If God speaks to you through Psalm 73
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