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73:1  A psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.
73:2  But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.
73:3  For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
73:4  They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.
73:5  They don't have troubles like other people; they're not plagued with problems like everyone else.
73:6  They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty.
73:7  These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!
73:8  They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others.
73:9  They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.
73:10  And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.
73:11  "What does God know?" they ask. "Does the Most High even know what's happening?"
73:12  Look at these wicked people--enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.
73:13  Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?
73:14  I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.
73:15  If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people.
73:16  So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!
73:17  Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
73:18  Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.
73:19  In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.
73:20  When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.
73:21  Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.
73:22  I was so foolish and ignorant--I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
73:23  Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.
73:24  You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
73:25  Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.
73:26  My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
73:27  Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.
73:28  But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.