73:1   God is indeed good to Israel, to those who have pure hearts.

73:2   But I had nearly lost confidence; my faith was almost gone

73:3   because I was jealous of the proud when I saw that things go well for the wicked.

73:4   They do not suffer pain; they are strong and healthy.

73:5   They do not suffer as other people do; they do not have the troubles that others have.

73:6   And so they wear pride like a necklace and violence like a robe;

73:7   their hearts pour out evil, and their minds are busy with wicked schemes.

73:8   They laugh at other people and speak of evil things; they are proud and make plans to oppress others.

73:9   They speak evil of God in heaven and give arrogant orders to everyone on earth,

73:10   so that even God's people turn to them and eagerly believe whatever they say.

73:11   They say, "God will not know; the Most High will not find out."

73:12   That is what the wicked are like. They have plenty and are always getting more.

73:13   Is it for nothing, then, that I have kept myself pure and have not committed sin?

73:14   O God, you have made me suffer all day long; every morning you have punished me.

73:15   If I had said such things, I would not be acting as one of your people.

73:16   I tried to think this problem through, but it was too difficult for me

73:17   until I went into your Temple. Then I understood what will happen to the wicked.

73:18   You will put them in slippery places and make them fall to destruction!

73:19   They are instantly destroyed; they go down to a horrible end.

73:20   They are like a dream that goes away in the morning; when you rouse yourself, O Lord, they disappear.

73:21   When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt,

73:22   I was as stupid as an animal; I did not understand you.

73:23   Yet I always stay close to you, and you hold me by the hand.

73:24   You guide me with your instruction and at the end you will receive me with honor.

73:25   What else do I have in heaven but you? Since I have you, what else could I want on earth?

73:26   My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need.

73:27   Those who abandon you will certainly perish; you will destroy those who are unfaithful to you.

73:28   But as for me, how wonderful to be near God, to find protection with the Sovereign LORD and to proclaim all that he has done!