Psalm 73:1
A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
Psalm 73:2
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
Psalm 73:3
For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Psalm 73:4
They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.
Psalm 73:5
They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.
Psalm 73:6
Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.
Psalm 73:7
From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
Psalm 73:8
They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
Psalm 73:9
They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.
Psalm 73:10
So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.
Psalm 73:11
The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”
Psalm 73:12
Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth.
Psalm 73:13
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.
Psalm 73:14
For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
Psalm 73:15
If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.
Psalm 73:16
When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight
Psalm 73:17
until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.
Psalm 73:18
Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.
Psalm 73:19
How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
Psalm 73:20
Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
Psalm 73:21
When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,
Psalm 73:22
I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.
Psalm 73:23
Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.
Psalm 73:24
You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.
Psalm 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:27
Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
Psalm 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.