Psalm 73:1-28 AMPC

[1] Truly God is [only] good to Israel, even to those who are upright and pure in heart. [2] But as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well-nigh slipped. [3] For I was envious of the foolish and arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [4] For they suffer no violent pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. [5] They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they smitten and plagued like other men. [6] Therefore pride is about their necks like a chain; violence covers them like a garment [like a long, luxurious robe]. [7] Their eyes stand out with fatness, they have more than heart could wish; and the imaginations of their minds overflow [with follies]. [8] They scoff, and wickedly utter oppression; they speak loftily [from on high, maliciously and blasphemously]. [9] They set their mouths against and speak down from heaven, and their tongues swagger through the earth [invading even heaven with blasphemy and smearing earth with slanders]. [10] Therefore His people return here, and waters of a full cup [offered by the wicked] are [blindly] drained by them. [11] And they say, How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High? [12] Behold, these are the ungodly, who always prosper and are at ease in the world; they increase in riches. [13] Surely then in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency. [14] For all the day long have I been smitten and plagued, and chastened every morning. [15] Had I spoken thus [and given expression to my feelings], I would have been untrue and have dealt treacherously against the generation of Your children. [16] But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me and too painful [17] Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood [for I considered] their end. [18] [After all] You do set the [wicked] in slippery places; You cast them down to ruin and destruction. [19] How they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors! [20] As a dream [which seems real] until one awakens, so, O Lord, when You arouse Yourself [to take note of the wicked], You will despise their outward show. [21] For my heart was grieved, embittered, and in a state of ferment, and I was pricked in my heart [as with the sharp fang of an adder]. [22] So foolish, stupid, and brutish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. [23] Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand. [24] You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor and glory. [25] Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You. [26] My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever. [27] For behold, those who are far from You shall perish; You will destroy all who are false to You and like [spiritual] harlots depart from You. [28] But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.