73:1 A psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

73:2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.

73:3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

73:4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.

73:5 They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.

73:6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.

73:7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

73:8 They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

73:9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.

73:10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.

73:11 They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"

73:12 This is what the wicked are like--always carefree, they increase in wealth.

73:13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

73:14 All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.

73:15 If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.

73:16 When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me

73:17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

73:18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.

73:19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!

73:20 As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

73:21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,

73:22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.

73:23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

73:24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

73:25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

73:27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

73:28 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.