Psalms 73:12-13

73:12 Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like, ¹ 

those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer. ² 

73:13 I concluded, ³  “Surely in vain I have kept my motives ⁴  pure

and maintained a pure lifestyle. ⁵ 

[73:12]  ¹ tn Heb “Look, these [are] the wicked.”

[73:12]  ² tn Heb “the ones who are always at ease [who] increase wealth.”

[73:13]  ³ tn The words “I concluded” are supplied in the translation. It is apparent that vv. 13-14 reflect the psalmist’s thoughts at an earlier time (see vv. 2-3), prior to the spiritual awakening he describes in vv. 17-28.

[73:13]  ⁴ tn Heb “heart,” viewed here as the seat of one’s thoughts and motives.

[73:13]  ⁵ tn Heb “and washed my hands in innocence.” The psalmist uses an image from cultic ritual to picture his moral lifestyle. The reference to “hands” suggests actions.