Psalm 73 :: Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

But as for me, my feet almost slipped;

my steps nearly went astray.

For I envied the arrogant;

I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

They have an easy time until they die,[fn]

and their bodies are well fed.[fn]

They are not in trouble like others;

they are not afflicted like most people.

Therefore, pride is their necklace,

and violence covers them like a garment.

Their eyes bulge out from fatness;

the imaginations of their hearts run wild.

They mock, and they speak maliciously;

they arrogantly threaten oppression.

They set their mouths against heaven,

and their tongues strut across the earth.

Therefore his people turn to them[fn]

and drink in their overflowing words.[fn]

The wicked say, “How can God know?

Does the Most High know everything? ”

Look at them ​— ​the wicked!

They are always at ease,

and they increase their wealth.

Did I purify my heart

and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?

For I am afflicted all day long

and punished every morning.

If I had decided to say these things aloud,

I would have betrayed your people.[fn]

When I tried to understand all this,

it seemed hopeless[fn]

until I entered God’s sanctuary.

Then I understood their destiny.

Indeed, you put them in slippery places;

you make them fall into ruin.

How suddenly they become a desolation!

They come to an end, swept away by terrors.

Like one waking from a dream,

Lord, when arising, you will despise their image.

When I became embittered

and my innermost being[fn] was wounded,

I was stupid and didn’t understand;

I was an unthinking animal toward you.

Yet I am always with you;

you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me up in glory.[fn]

Who do I have in heaven but you?

And I desire nothing on earth but you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength[fn] of my heart,

my portion forever.

Those far from you will certainly perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

But as for me, God’s presence is my good.

I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,

so I can tell about all you do.