73:1  TRULY GOD is [only] good to Israel, even to those who are upright {and} pure in heart.

73:2  But as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well-nigh slipped.

73:3  For I was envious of the foolish {and} arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

73:4  For they suffer no violent pangs in their death, but their strength is firm.

73:5  They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they smitten {and} plagued like other men.

73:6  Therefore pride is about their necks like a chain; violence covers them like a garment [like a long, luxurious robe].

73:7  Their eyes stand out with fatness, they have more than heart could wish; {and} the imaginations of their minds overflow [with follies].

73:8  They scoff, and wickedly utter oppression; they speak loftily [from on high, maliciously and blasphemously].

73:9  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].

73:10  Therefore His people return here, and waters of a full cup [offered by the wicked] are [blindly] drained by them.

73:11  And they say, How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?

73:12  Behold, these are the ungodly, who always prosper {and} are at ease in the world; they increase in riches.

73:13  Surely then in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency.

73:14  For all the day long have I been smitten {and} plagued, and chastened every morning.

73:15  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.

73:16  But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me {and} too painful

73:17  Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood [for I considered] their end.

73:18  [After all] You do set the [wicked] in slippery places; You cast them down to ruin {and} destruction.

73:19  How they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors!

73:20  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.

73:21  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].

73:22  So foolish, stupid, {and} brutish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.

73:23  Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand.

73:24  You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor {and} glory.

73:25  Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight {or} desire on earth besides You.

73:26  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock {and} firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever.

73:27  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.

73:28  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.