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Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no [a]pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. Their [b]eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak [c]loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them. And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. Surely I have [d]cleansed my heart in vain. And washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning. If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. When I thought how to understand this, It was [e]too painful for me—Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. Thus my heart was grieved, And I was [f]vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the [g]strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who [h]desert You for harlotry. 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 Your works.
Psalm 73 (NKJV)
CG Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever felt envious or frustrated for those who are successful, want nothing to do with God and yet they do not seem to suffer but mock the godly and speak evil from positions of power and authority?
(Psalm 73:1-12; Malachi 3:14-15)
2. What is the key message in Psalm 73 that shows what we can do when we are troubled by the injustice that we see around us or when we do not understand with our limited mind? What do you expect our God to be like when you fight in anger or wrestle in bitterness with Him, and explain what prayer really means for you?
(Psalm 73:15-17; Psalm 73:21-24)
3. Contrast what is good and what is evil to you by referring to the closeness, peace and God’s presence. Discuss how we ought not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good.
(Psalm 73:25-28; John 14:27; Romans 12:21)