[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!