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