微读圣经

BOOK III

(Psalms 73–89)

God’s Ways Vindicated

A psalm of Asaph. 1Ch 16:5,7

1God is indeed good to Israel,

to the pure in heart. Ps 24:4; 51:10; Mt 5:8

2But as for me, my feet almost slipped;

my steps nearly went astray. Ps 17:5; 66:9; 94:18

3For I envied the arrogant;

I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Ps 37:1; Pr 23:17; 24:1

4They have an easy time until they die, Lit For there are no pangs to their death

and their bodies are well fed. Lit fat Jb 21:23-24

5They are not in trouble like others;

they are not afflicted like most people. Jb 21:4

6Therefore, pride is their necklace,

and violence covers them like a garment. Ps 37:35; Pr 16:29; 21:24

7Their eyes bulge out from fatness;

the imaginations of their hearts run wild. Jb 15:27; Jr 5:28

8They mock, and they speak maliciously;

they arrogantly threaten oppression. Ps 17:10; 2Pt 2:18; Jd 16

9They set their mouths against heaven,

and their tongues strut across the earth. Rv 13:6

10Therefore His people turn to them Lit turn here

and drink in their overflowing words. Lit and waters of fullness are drained by them Jb 15:16

11The wicked say, “How can God know?

Does the Most High know everything? ” Jb 22:13; Ps 10:4,11; Is 29:15

12Look at them — the wicked!

They are always at ease,

and they increase their wealth. Ps 49:6; 52:7; Jr 49:31

13Did I purify my heart

and wash my hands in innocence for nothing? Ps 26:6; Mt 27:24

14For I am afflicted all day long

and punished every morning. Jb 33:19; Ps 38:6; 118:18

15If I had decided to say these things aloud,

I would have betrayed Your people. Lit betrayed the generation of Your sons Ps 44:17; 89:33

16When I tried to understand all this,

it seemed hopeless Lit it was trouble in my eyes Ec 8:17

17until I entered God’s sanctuary.

Then I understood their destiny. Jb 8:13; Ps 37:38

18Indeed, You put them in slippery places;

You make them fall into ruin. Ps 35:6,8

19How suddenly they become a desolation!

They come to an end, swept away by terrors. Nm 16:21; Jb 18:11; Is 47:11

20Like one waking from a dream,

Lord, when arising, You will despise their image. Ps 35:23; 59:5; 78:65

21When I became embittered

and my innermost being Lit my kidneys was wounded, Ps 109:22

22I was stupid and didn’t understand;

I was an unthinking animal toward You. Jb 11:12; Ps 92:6

23Yet I am always with You;

You hold my right hand. Ps 63:8

24You guide me with Your counsel,

and afterward You will take me up in glory. Or will receive me with honor Ps 49:15; Is 58:11

25Who do I have in heaven but You?

And I desire nothing on earth but You. Ps 16:2; Php 3:8

26My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength Lit rock of my heart,

my portion forever. Ps 16:5; 38:10; 84:2

27Those far from You will certainly perish;

You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. 1Ch 5:25; Ps 37:20

28But 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. Ps 40:5; 118:17