Psalm 73. Quam bonus Israel!

1. Truly, God is good to Israel, *
   to those who are pure in heart.
2. But as for me, my feet had nearly slipped; *
   I had almost tripped and fallen;
3. Because I envied the proud *
   and saw the prosperity of the wicked:
4. For they suffer no pain, *
   and their bodies are sleek and sound;
5. In the misfortunes of others they have no share; *
   they are not afflicted as others are;
6. Therefore they wear their pride like a necklace *
   and wrap their violence about them like a cloak.
7. Their iniquity comes from gross minds, *
   and their hearts overflow with wicked thoughts.
8. They scoff and speak maliciously; *
   out of their haughtiness they plan oppression.
9. They set their mouths against the heavens, *
   and their evil speech runs through the world.
10. And so the people turn to them *
    and find in them no fault.
11. They say, "How should God know? *
    is there knowledge in the Most High?"
12. So then, these are the wicked; *
    always at ease, they increase their wealth.
13. In vain have I kept my heart clean, *
    and washed my hands in innocence.
14. I have been afflicted all day long, *
    and punished every morning.
15. Had I gone on speaking this way, *
    I should have betrayed the generation of your children.
16. When I tried to understand these things, *
    it was too hard for me;
17. Until I entered the sanctuary of God *
    and discerned the end of the wicked.
18. Surely, you set them in slippery places; *
    you cast them down in ruin.
19. Oh, how suddenly do they come to destruction, *
    come to an end, and perish from terror!
20. Like a dream when one awakens, O Lord, *
    when you arise you will make their image vanish.
21. When my mind became embittered, *
    I was sorely wounded in my heart.
22. I was stupid and had no understanding; *
    I was like a brute beast in your presence.
23. Yet I am always with you; *
    you hold me by my right hand.
24. You will guide me by your counsel, *
    and afterwards receive me with glory.
25. Whom have I in heaven but you? *
    and having you I desire nothing upon earth.
26. Though my flesh and my heart should waste away, *
    God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.
27. Truly, those who forsake you will perish; *
    you destroy all who are unfaithful.
28. But it is good for me to be near God; *
    I have made the Lord God my refuge.
29. I will speak of all your works *
    in the gates of the city of Zion.