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Psalms

A collection of songs and prayers expressing a wide range of emotions and thoughts on faith.

Chapter 73

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

*God is genuinely kind to the people of Israel, even to those with pure hearts.

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

*But for me, I was about to collapse; my footsteps were nearly slipping away.

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

*Because I was jealous of those who didn't know better, I noticed the success of people who did bad things.

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

*In their death, they have no restraints: instead, they remain strong.

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

*They don't have problems like other people, and they aren't bothered like others.

6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

*So, pride surrounds them like a chain, and violence covers them like a cloak.

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

*Their eyes look really big, full of fat: they have way more than anyone could ever want.

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

*They are bad and talk badly about unfair treatment; they talk proudly.

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

*They speak about the sky using their mouth, and their words describe the world.

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

*So, the people come back here, and they get a full cup of water, then they squeeze it out for themselves.

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

*They ask, "How does God know everything?" and question if true understanding exists in the highest being.

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

*Look, these are the people who don't believe, but they have success in life and become even richer.

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

*Indeed, I have tried to purify my heart but it was useless, and I have washed my hands thinking I am innocent.

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

*All day long, I've been bothered, and scolded every morning.

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

*If I promise to speak like this, I would actually disappoint your kids' generation.

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

*When I understood this, it hurt me too much.

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

*Before I entered God's holy place, I didn't fully understand what they were planning.

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

*You definitely placed them in slippery situations; you threw them into ruin.

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

*How do they enter a barren wasteland so quickly? They are suddenly overwhelmed by fear.

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

*Like a dream when someone wakes up, so when you wake up, Lord, you will dislike their picture.

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

*So, my heart felt sad, and I was upset about it.

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

*I was so silly and unknowing; I was like an animal in your presence.

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

*However, I am always with you; you have constantly held onto my right hand.

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

*You will show me what to do, and then take me to greatness.

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

*Who do I have in heaven except you? There's nobody on Earth I want more than you.

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

*My body and my emotions are weak: but God gives me strength, and He is my share forever.

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

*"For those far away from you will be destroyed; you have caused all those who stray from you to perish."

28 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.

*It's good for me to be close to God. I trust in the Lord to tell everyone about all the things He has done.

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