Psalm 73

A psalm of Asaph.

1Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

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

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

4For they have no pangs in their death; their bodies are well fed.

5They are free from the troubles others bear; they are not struck down like other people.

6So pride is their necklace; violence covers them like a garment.

7Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.

8They scoff and speak with malice; from on high they threaten oppression.

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

10So his people turn back here and drink up waters in abundance.

11They say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have any knowledge?”

12Look, these are the wicked—always at ease, they increase their wealth.

13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence.

14For I have been struck all day long and punished every morning.

15If I had said, “I will speak this way,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children.

16When I tried to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,

17until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end.

18Surely you set them on slippery ground; you make them fall into ruin.

19How suddenly they are destroyed! They are swept away, utterly consumed by terrors.

20Like a dream when one awakes, Lord, when you rouse yourself, you will despise their phantoms.

21When my heart was embittered and I was pierced to the core,

22I was stupid and did not understand; I was like a beast before you.

23Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

24You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

25Whom do I have in heaven but you? And on earth there is nothing I desire besides you.

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

27For look, those who are far from you will perish; you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you.

28But as for me, it is good to be near God; I have made Lord Yahweh my refuge, so that I may tell of all your works.