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* Psalm 73
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the foolish,
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain;
violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?
*****
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of THY children.
*****
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
Surely THOU didst set them in slippery places: THOU castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when THOU awakest, THOU shalt despise their image.
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before THEE.
Nevertheless I am continually with THEE: THOU hast holden me by my right hand.
THOU shalt guide me with THY counsel,
and afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but THEE?
and there is none upon earth that I desire
beside THEE.
*****
My flesh and my heart faileth:
but God is the strength of my heart,
and my portion for ever.
For, lo, they that are far from THEE shall perish: THOU hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from THEE.
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.