Psalms 73 The prosperity of the wicked makes one doubt the justice of God, but their end proves it

 Psalms 73

The prosperity of the wicked makes one doubt the justice of God, but their end proves it

1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

2 As for me, my feet had almost slipped; my steps had almost slipped.

3 For I was envious of the proud, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there is no distress in their death, but their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble like other people, nor are they afflicted like other men.

6 Therefore pride surrounds them like a necklace; they clothe themselves with violence as with an ornament.

7 Their eyes are swollen with fatness; the imaginations of their hearts are great.

8 They are corrupt, and deal maliciously in oppression; they speak arrogantly.

9 They lift up their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue roams through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return here, and waters of a full cup are wrung out for them.

11 And they say, How does God know? Or is there knowledge in the Most High?

12 Behold, these are wicked men; yet they are always secure, and their riches increase.

13 Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocency.

14 For all day long I have been afflicted, and chastened every morning.

15 If I had said, I will speak thus also; behold, I would offend the generation of your children.

16 When I thought to understand this, I was greatly troubled;

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 How they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.

 20 As when one wakes up in a dream, so, O Lord, when you awake, you will despise their appearance. 

21 So my heart has grown sour, and my kidneys are pricked. 

22 So I have become brutish and ignorant, like an animal before you. 

23 Yet I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 

24 You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. 

25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is no one on 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, behold, those who are far from you will perish; you have destroyed all who turn away from you. 

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, to proclaim all his works.