2.2 KiB
Psalm 73God's Ways Vindicated
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God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart.
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But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.
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For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
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They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed.
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They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people.
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Therefore, pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment.
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Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
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They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression.
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They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth.
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Therefore his people turn to them and drink in their overflowing words.
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The wicked say, "How can God know? Does the Most High know everything?"
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Look at them--the wicked! They are always at ease, and they increase their wealth.
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Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?
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For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
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If I had decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed your people.
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When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless
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until I entered God's sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.
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Indeed, you put them in slippery places; you make them fall into ruin.
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How suddenly they become a desolation! They come to an end, swept away by terrors.
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Like one waking from a dream, Lord, when arising, you will despise their image.
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When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded,
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I was stupid and didn't understand; I was an unthinking animal toward you.
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Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand.
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You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me up in glory.
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Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you.
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My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.
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Those far from you will certainly perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
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But as for me, God's presence is my good.
I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.