Psalm 73  Christian Standard Bible

⁴ They have an easy time until they die,^[a]
and their bodies are well fed.^[b](E)
5 They are not in trouble like others;
they are not afflicted like most people.^(F)
6 Therefore, pride is their necklace,
and violence covers them like a garment.^(G)
7 Their eyes bulge out from fatness;
the imaginations of their hearts run wild.^(H)
8 They mock, and they speak maliciously;
they arrogantly threaten oppression.^(I)
9 They set their mouths against heaven,
and their tongues strut across the earth.^(J)
10 Therefore his people turn to them^[c]
and drink in their overflowing words.^[d](K)
11 The wicked say, “How can God know?
Does the Most High know everything?” ^(L)
12 Look at them—the wicked!
They are always at ease,
and they increase their wealth.^(M)

¹³ Did I purify my heart
and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?^(N)
14 For I am afflicted all day long
and punished every morning.^(O)
15 If I had decided to say these things aloud,
I would have betrayed your people.^[e](P)
16 When I tried to understand all this,
it seemed hopeless^[f](Q)
17 until I entered God’s sanctuary.
Then I understood their destiny.^(R)
18 Indeed, you put them in slippery places;
you make them fall into ruin.^(S)
19 How suddenly they become a desolation!
They come to an end, swept away by terrors.^(T)
20 Like one waking from a dream,
Lord, when arising, you will despise their image.^(U)

²¹ When I became embittered
and my innermost being^[g] was wounded,^(V)
22 I was stupid and didn’t understand;
I was an unthinking animal toward you.^(W)
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold my right hand.^(X)
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me up in glory.^[h](Y)
25 Who do I have in heaven but you?
And I desire nothing on earth but you.^(Z)
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength^[i] of my heart,
my portion forever.^(AA)
27 Those far from you will certainly perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.^(AB)
28 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.^(AC)