Psalms 73

Berean Standard Bible

Chapter summary

The psalmist begins by affirming God's goodness to the pure in heart, though he admits his own steps nearly slipped when he envied the prosperity, pride, and wickedness of the arrogant. He observes that these wicked individuals live carefree lives, increase in wealth, mock God, and question divine knowledge while he himself faces daily affliction. Attempting to understand this dilemma troubles the psalmist until he enters God's sanctuary, where he perceives the ultimate ruin and sudden destruction awaiting the wicked. Reflecting on his previous bitterness and ignorance, the speaker recognizes his continual presence with God, who holds his right hand, guides him with counsel, and serves as his eternal strength and refuge.

Summary automatically generated from the Bible text.

Words of Jesus in red

¹Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. ²But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. ³For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. ⁴They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. ⁵They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. ⁶Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them. ⁷From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. ⁸They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. ⁹They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. ¹⁰So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance. ¹¹The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” ¹²Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth. ¹³Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. ¹⁴For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. ¹⁵If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children. ¹⁶When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight ¹⁷until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end. ¹⁸Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. ¹⁹How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! ²⁰Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. ²¹When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within, ²²I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. ²³Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. ²⁴You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory. ²⁵Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. ²⁶My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. ²⁷Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. ²⁸But 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.