Psalm 73

A Psalm of Asaph. 1Surely God is good to Israel,
Even to such as are pure in heart. 2But as for me, my feet were almost gone;
My steps had well nigh slipped. 3For I was envious at the arrogant,
When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4For there are no pangs in their death;
But their strength is firm. 5They are not in trouble as other men;
Neither are they plagued like other men. 6Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck;
Violence covereth them as a garment. 7Their eyes stand out with fatness:
They have more than heart could wish. 8They scoff, and in wickedness utter oppression:
They speak loftily. 9They have set their mouth in the heavens,
And their tongue walketh through the earth. 10Therefore his people return hither:
And waters of a full cup are drained by them. 11And they say, How doth God know?
And is there knowledge in the Most High? 12Behold, these are the wicked;
And, being alway at ease, they increase in riches. 13Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart,
And washed my hands in innocency; 14For all the day long have I been plagued,
And chastened every morning. 15If I had said, I will speak thus;
Behold, I had dealt treacherously with the generation of thy children. 16When I thought how I might know this,
It was too painful for me; 17Until I went into the sanctuary of God,
And considered their latter end. 18Surely thou settest them in slippery places:
Thou castest them down to destruction. 19How are they become a desolation in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors. 20As a dream when one awaketh,
So, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou wilt despise their image. 21For my soul was grieved,
And I was pricked in my heart: 22So brutish was I, and ignorant;
I was as a beast before thee. 23Nevertheless I am continually with thee:
Thou hast holden my right hand. 24Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory. 25Whom have I in heaven but thee?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. 26My flesh and my heart faileth;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever. 27For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish:
Thou hast destroyed all them that play the harlot, departing from thee. 28But it is good for me to draw near unto God:
I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge,
That I may tell of all thy works.