Chapter 73

  A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.  

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  But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.  

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  For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.  

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  For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.  

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  They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they afflicted like other men.  

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  Therefore pride encompasseth them as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.  

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  Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.  

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  They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.  

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  They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.  

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  Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.  

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  And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?  

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  Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.  

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  Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.  

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  For all the day long have I been afflicted, and chastened every morning.  

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  If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.  

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  When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;  

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  Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.  

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  Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou didst cast them down into destruction.  

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  How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.  

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  As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou wilt despise their image.  

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  Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.  

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  So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.  

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  Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast held me by my right hand.  

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  Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.  

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  Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee.  

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  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.  

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  For lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go astray from thee.  

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  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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