Psalm 73

Scripture Reading: Psalm 73:1 Truly God [is] good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I [was] envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For [there are] no pangs in their death, But their strength [is] firm. 5 They [are] not in trouble [as other] men, Nor are they plagued like [other] men. 6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them [like] a garment. 7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. 8 They scoff and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression; They speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth. 10 Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full [cup] are drained by them. 11 And they say, "How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" 12 Behold, these [are] the ungodly, Who are 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 chastened every morning. 15 If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. 16 When I thought [how] to understand this, It [was] too painful for me-- 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [Then] I understood their end. 18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. 19 Oh, how they are [brought] to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. 20 As a dream when [one] awakes, [So], Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. 21 Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. 22 I [was] so foolish and ignorant; I was [like] a beast before You. 23 Nevertheless I [am] continually with You; You hold [me] by my right hand. 24 You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me [to] glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven [but You]? And [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire besides You. 26 My flesh and my heart fail; [But] God [is] the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. 28 But [it is] good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works. (NKJV)