NIV Psalms 73 Chapter
73:1
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.