Psalm 73-to be read with Reverend Ralph Moore’s July 23, 2017 sermon

Psalm 73

(from the Iona Abbey Worship Book)

---

All God is good to the upright,

to those who are pure in heart

A My feet were close to slipping.

I almost lost my balance.

I had started to envy the arrogant

when I saw how the haughty flourish.

B They seem to avoid suffering

their bodies are healthy and sleek;

trouble appears to bypass them,

their lives are free of affliction.

A They talk of menace and malice,

breathing down people's necks.

They slander the kingdom of heaven

with tongues never silent on earth

B Many are taken in by them,

believing they do nothing wrong.

They say, "Does God really care?

Perhaps the Most High doesn't know."

A Have I kept myself pure for nothing,

Washing my hands in innocence?

For every new morning brings trouble,

and day after day I am punished.

B Had I thought to do as they do

I would have betrayed my people.

So I tried to make sense of this mess,

but found it too difficult for me.

A Once I entered God's sanctuary

then I began to understand.

In a moment they will be destroyed

on the slippery slope to ruin.

B My God, I am always with you;

you take me by the right hand.

Your wisdom continues to guide me

and you will receive me in glory.

A Because you fold me into your realm,

there is nothing I need upon earth.

Though flesh and blood may fail,

The Eternal is my strength forever.

All God is good to the upright,

to those who are pure in heart.