Chapter 73
1 Surely God " (Elohim). is good to Israel , to those who are pure in heart .
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone . My steps had nearly slipped .
3 For I was envious of the arrogant , when I saw the prosperity of the wicked .
4 For there are no struggles in their death , but their strength is firm .
5 They are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men.
6 Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment .
7 Their eyes bulge with fat . Their minds pass the limits of conceit .
8 They scoff and speak with malice. In arrogance, they threaten oppression .
9 They have set their mouth in the heavens . Their tongue walks through the earth .
10 Therefore their people return to them , and they drink up waters of abundance .
11 They say, " How does God know ? Is there knowledge in the Most High ?"
12 Behold , these are the wicked . Being always at ease , they increase in riches .
13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain , and washed my hands in innocence ,
14 For all day long I have been plagued , and punished every morning .
15 If I had said, " I will speak thus ", behold , I would have betrayed the generation of your children .
16 When I tried to understand this , it was too painful for me —
17 until I entered God’s sanctuary , and considered their latter end.
18 Surely you set them in slippery places . You throw them down to destruction .
19 How they are suddenly destroyed ! They are completely swept away with terrors .
20 As a dream when one wakes up , so , Lord, when you awake , you will despise their fantasies.
21 For my soul was grieved . I was embittered in my heart .
22 I was so senseless and ignorant . I was a brute beast before you .
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you . You have held my right hand .
24 You will guide me with your counsel , and afterward receive me to glory .
25 Whom do I have in heaven ? There is no one on earth whom I desire besides you .
26 My flesh and my heart fails , but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever .
27 For , behold , those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you .
28 But it is good for me to come close to God . I have made the Lord GOD ", usually pronounced Yahweh). my refuge , that I may tell of all your works .