Psalms 73:13

I concluded, ¹  “Surely in vain I have kept my motives ²  pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. ³ 

Job 9:27,31; Job 21:15; Job 34:9; Job 35:3; Ps 24:4; Ps 26:6; Ps 51:10; Mal 3:14; Heb 10:19-22; Jas 4:8

¹ 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.

² tn Heb “heart,” viewed here as the seat of one’s thoughts and motives.

³ 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.