Psalm 73

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
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But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.
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For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
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They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.
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They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.
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Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
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From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.
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They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.
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Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
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Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.
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They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"
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This is what the wicked are like-- always carefree, they increase in wealth.
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Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
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All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.
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If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.
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When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me
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till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
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Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
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How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
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As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
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When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
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I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
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Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
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You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
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Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
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My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
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Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
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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.

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