Psalm, 73

73:1 A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

73:2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.

73:3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

73:4 They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.

73:5 They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.

73:6 Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.

73:7 From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.

73:8 They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.

73:9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.

73:10 So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.

73:11 The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”

73:12 Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth.

73:13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.

73:14 For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.

73:15 If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.

73:16 When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight

73:17 until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.

73:18 Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.

73:19 How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!

73:20 Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.

73:21 When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,

73:22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.

73:23 Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.

73:24 You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.

73:25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.

73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

73:27 Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.

73:28 But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.