73:1 A psalm of Asaph. God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart.
73:2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.
73:3 For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
73:4 They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed.
73:5 They are not in trouble like others; they are not afflicted like most people.
73:6 Therefore, pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment.
73:7 Their eyes bulge out from fatness; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
73:8 They mock, and they speak maliciously; they arrogantly threaten oppression.
73:9 They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues strut across the earth.
73:10 Therefore His people turn to them and drink in their overflowing words.
73:11 The wicked say, "How can God know? Does the Most High know everything?"
73:12 Look at them--the wicked! They are always at ease, and they increase their wealth.
73:13 Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?
73:14 For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
73:15 If I had decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed Your people.
73:16 When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless
73:17 until I entered God's sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.
73:18 Indeed, You put them in slippery places; You make them fall into ruin.
73:19 How suddenly they become a desolation! They come to an end, swept away by terrors.
73:20 Like one waking from a dream, Lord, when arising, You will despise their image.
73:21 When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded,
73:22 I was stupid and didn't understand; I was an unthinking animal toward You.
73:23 Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.
73:24 You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me up in glory.
73:25 Who do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You.
73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.
73:27 Those far from You will certainly perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
73:28 But as for me, God's presence is my good. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, so I can tell about all You do.
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