Psalm 73

1Surely God * is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2My steps had nearly slipped. But as for me, my feet were almost gone. 3when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For I was envious of the arrogant, 4but their strength is firm. For there are no struggles in their death, 5neither are they plagued like other men. They are free from burdens of men, 6Violence covers them like a garment. Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. 7Their minds pass the limits of conceit. Their eyes bulge with fat. 8In arrogance, they threaten oppression. They scoff and speak with malice. 9Their tongue walks through the earth. They have set their mouth in the heavens. 10and they drink up waters of abundance. Therefore their people return to them, 11Is there knowledge in the Most High?” They say, “How does God know? 12Being always at ease, they increase in riches. Behold, these are the wicked. 13and washed my hands in innocence, Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart, 14and punished every morning. For all day long have I been plagued, 15behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children. If I had said, “I will speak thus”; 16it was too painful for me; When I tried to understand this, 17and considered their latter end. Until I entered God’s sanctuary, 18You throw them down to destruction. Surely you set them in slippery places. 19They are completely swept away with terrors. How they are suddenly destroyed! 20* when you awake, you will despise their fantasies. As a dream when one wakes up, 21I was embittered in my heart. For my soul was grieved. 22I was a brute beast before you. I was so senseless and ignorant. 23You have held my right hand. Nevertheless, I am continually with you. 24and afterward receive me to glory. You will guide me with your counsel, 25There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you. Whom do I have in heaven? 26but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. My flesh and my heart fails, 27You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you. For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. 28* my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. But it is good for me to come close to God.