Psalm 73
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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.
4They have no struggle in their death;
their bodies are well-fed.
5They are free of the burdens others carry;
they are not afflicted like other men.
6Therefore pride is their necklace;
a garment of violence covers them.
7From their prosperity proceeds iniquity;[1]
the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
8They mock and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9They set their mouths against the heavens,
and their tongues strut across the earth.
10So their people return to this place[2]
and drink up waters in abundance.
11The wicked say, “How can God know?
Does the Most High have knowledge?”
12Behold, these are the wicked —
always carefree as they increase their wealth.
13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure;
in innocence I have washed my hands.
14For I am afflicted all day long
and punished every morning.
15If I had said, “I will speak this way,”
then I would have betrayed Your children.
16When I tried to understand all this,
it was troublesome in my sight
17until I entered God’s sanctuary;
then I discerned their end.
18Surely You set them on slick ground;
You cast them down into ruin.
19How suddenly they are laid waste,
completely swept away by terrors!
20Like one waking from a dream,
so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
21When my heart was grieved
and I was pierced within,
22I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before You.
23Yet I am always with You;
You hold my right hand.
24You guide me with Your counsel,
and later receive me in glory.
25Whom have I in heaven but You?
And on earth I desire no one besides You.
26My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart[3]
and my portion forever.
27Those far from You will surely perish;
You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
28But 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.
Footnotes (3)
The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible, BSB. Public domain.