Psalm 73
God is indeed good to Israel
: to those whose hearts are pure.
Nevertheless, my feet were almost gone
: my steps had well-nigh slipped.
For I was filled with envy at the boastful
: when I saw the ungodly had such tranquillity.
For they suffer no pain
: and their bodies are hale and fat.
They come to no misfortune like other folk
: nor are they plagued like other men.
Therefore they put on pride as a necklace
: and clothe themselves in violence as in a garment.
Their eyes shine from folds of fatness
: and they have all that heart could wish.
Their talk is malice and mockery
: and they hand down slanders from on high.
Their mouths blaspheme against heaven
: and their tongues go to and fro on earth.
Therefore my people turn to them
: and find in them no fault.
They say ‘How can God know
: is there understanding in the Most High?’
Behold, these are the ungodly
: yet they prosper and increase in riches.
Was it for nothing then that I cleansed my heart
: and washed my hands in innocence?
Have I been stricken all day long in vain
: and rebuked every morning?
If I had said ‘I will speak thus’
: I should have betrayed the family of your children.
Then I thought to understand this
: but it was too hard for me,
Till I went into the sanctuary of God
: and then I understood what their end will be.
For you set them in slippery places
: and cause them to fall from their treacherous footholds.
How suddenly they are laid waste
: they come to an end, they perish in terror.
As with a dream when one awakes
: so when you rouse yourself, O Lord,
you will despise their image.
When my heart was soured
: and I was wounded to the core,
I was but brutish and ignorant
: no better than a beast before you.
Nevertheless, I am always with you
: for you hold me by my right hand.
You will guide me with your counsel
: and afterwards you will lead me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
: and there is no one upon earth
that I desire in comparison with you.
Though my flesh and my heart fail me
: you, O God, are my portion for ever.
Behold, those who forsake you shall perish
: and all who whore after other gods you will destroy.
But it is good for me to draw near to God
: I have made the Lord God my refuge,
and I will tell of all that you have done.