^1. Psalm 73 A psalm of Asaph.

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

^2. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.

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

^4. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. [1]

^5. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.

^6. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.

^7. From their callous hearts comes iniquity [2] ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

^8. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

^9. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.

^10. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. [3]

^11. They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"

^12. This is what the wicked are like-- always carefree, they increase in wealth.

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

^14. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.

^15. If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.

^16. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me

^17. till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

^18. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.

^19. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!

^20. As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

^21. When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,

^22. I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.

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

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

^25. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

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

^27. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

^28. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.