Psalm 73:1-28 ERV

[1] God is so good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. [2] But I almost slipped and lost my balance. I almost fell into sin. [3] I saw that wicked people were successful, and I became jealous of those proud people. [4] They are healthy. They don't have to struggle to survive. [5] They don't suffer like the rest of us. They don't have troubles like other people. [6] So they are proud and hateful. This is as easy to see as the jewels and fancy clothes they wear. [7] If they see something they like, they go and take it. They do whatever they want. [8] They make fun of others and say cruel things about them. In their pride they make plans to hurt people. [9] They think they are gods! They think they are the rulers of the earth. [10] Even God's people turn to them and do what they say. [11] Those evil people say, "God does not know what we are doing! God Most High does not know!" [12] Those proud people are wicked, but they are rich and getting richer. [13] Clearly, then, I gain nothing by keeping my thoughts pure! What good is it to keep myself from sin? [14] God, I suffer all day long, and you punish me every morning. [15] I wanted to tell others these things, but that would have made me a traitor to your people. [16] I tried hard to understand all this, but it was too hard for me. [17] But then, God, I went to your Temple, and I understood what will happen to the wicked. [18] Clearly, you have put them in danger. You make it easy for them to fall and be destroyed. [19] Trouble can come suddenly, and they will be ruined. Terrible things can happen to them, and they will be finished. [20] Then they will be like a dream that we forget when we wake up. You will make them disappear like the monsters in our dreams. [21] I was so stupid. I thought about such people and became upset. God, I was upset and angry with you! I acted like a senseless animal. [23] But I am always with you. You hold my hand. [24] You lead me and give me good advice, and later you will lead me to glory. [25] In heaven, God, I have only you. And if I am with you, what on earth could I want? [26] Maybe my mind and body will become weak, but God is my source of strength. He is mine forever! [27] God, people who leave you will be lost. You will destroy all who are not faithful to you. [28] As for me, all I need is to be close to God. I have made the Lord GOD my place of safety. And, God, I will tell about all that you have done.