Psalms 73

1A psalm of Asaph.God is truly good to Israel,to those whose heart is pure.

2As for me, my feet had almost strayed,my steps were nearly led off course,

3for I envied the wanton;I saw the wicked at ease.

4Death has no pangs for them;their body is healthy.

5They have no part in human travail;they are not afflicted like the rest of humankind.

6So pride adorns their necks,lawlessness enwraps them as a mantle.

7Fat shuts out their eyes;their fancies are extravagant.

8They scoff and plan evil;from their eminence they plan wrongdoing.

9They set their mouths against heaven,and their tongues range over the earth.

10So they pound this people again and again,until they are drained of their very last tear.

11Then they say, “How could God know?Is there knowledge with the Most High?”

12Such are the wicked;ever tranquil, they amass wealth.

13It was for nothing that I kept my heart pureand washed my hands in innocence,

14seeing that I have been constantly afflicted,that each morning brings new punishments.

15Had I decided to say these things,I should have been false to the circle of Your disciples.

16So I applied myself to understand this,but it seemed a hopeless task

17till I entered God’s sanctuaryand reflected on their fate.

18You surround them with flattery;You make them fall through blandishments.

19How suddenly are they ruined,wholly swept away by terrors.

20When You are aroused You despise their image,as one does a dream after waking, O my Sovereign.

21My mind was stripped of its reason,my feelings were numbed.

22I was a dolt, without knowledge;I was brutish toward You.

23Yet I was always with You,You held my right hand;

24You guided me by Your counseland led me toward honor.

25Whom else have I in heaven?And having You, I want no one on earth.

26My body and mind fail;but God is the stay of my mind, my portion forever.

27Those who keep far from You perish;You annihilate all who are untrue to You.

28As for me, nearness to God is good;I have made the Sovereign GOD my refuge,that I may recount all Your works.