Psalms:73

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* A Psalm by Asaph . Surely God {The Hebrew word rendered "God " is "Elohim ."} is good to Israel , to those who are pure in heart . * But as for me , my feet were almost gone . My steps had nearly slipped . * For I was envious of the arrogant , when I saw the prosperity of the wicked . * For there are no struggles in their death , but their strength is firm . * They are free from burdens of men , neither are they plagued like other men . * Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck . Violence covers them like a garment . * Their eyes bulge with fat . Their minds pass the limits of conceit . * They scoff and speak with malice . In arrogance , they threaten oppression . * They have set their mouth in the heavens . Their tongue walks through the earth . * Therefore their people return to them , and they drink up waters of abundance . * They say , "How does God know ? Is there knowledge in the Most High ?" * Behold , these are the wicked . Being always at ease , they increase in riches . * Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart , and washed my hands in innocence , * For all day long have I been plagued , and punished every morning . * If I had said , "I will speak thus "; behold , I would have betrayed the generation of your children . * When I tried to understand this , it was too painful for me ; * Until I entered God 's sanctuary , and considered their latter end . * Surely you set them in slippery places . You throw them down to destruction . * How they are suddenly destroyed ! They are completely swept away with terrors . * As a dream when one wakes up , so , Lord , {The word translated "Lord " is "Adonai ."} when you awake , you will despise their fantasies . * For my soul was grieved . I was embittered in my heart . * I was so senseless and ignorant . I was a brute beast before you . * Nevertheless , I am continually with you . You have held my right hand . * You will guide me with your counsel , and afterward receive me to glory . * Whom do I have in heaven ? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you . * My flesh and my heart fails , but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever . * For , behold , those who are far from you shall perish . You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you . * But it is good for me to come close to God . I have made the Lord Yahweh {"Yahweh " is God 's proper Name , sometimes rendered "LORD " (all caps ) in other translations .} my refuge , that I may tell of all your works .

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