1
God is truly good to Israel,
especially to everyone
with a pure heart.
2
But I almost stumbled and fell,
3
because it made me jealous
to see proud and evil people
and to watch them prosper.
4
They never have to suffer,
they stay healthy,
5
and they don't have troubles
like everyone else.
6
Their pride is like a necklace,
and they commit sin more often
than they dress themselves.
7
Their eyes bulge with fat,
and their minds are flooded
with foolish thoughts.
8
They sneer and say cruel things,
and because of their pride,
they make violent threats.
9
They dare to speak against God
and to order others around.
10
God will bring his people back,
and they will drink the water
he so freely gives.
11
Only evil people would say,
“God Most High cannot
know everything!”
12
Yet all goes well for them,
and they live in peace.
13
What good did it do me
to keep my thoughts pure
and refuse to do wrong?
14
I am sick all day,
and I am punished
each morning.
15
If I had said evil things,
I would not have been loyal
to your people.
16
It was hard for me
to understand all this!
17
Then I went to your temple,
and there I understood
what will happen
to my enemies.
18
You will make them stumble,
never to get up again.
19
They will be terrified,
suddenly swept away
and no longer there.
20
They will disappear, Lord,
despised like a bad dream
the morning after.
21
Once I was bitter
and brokenhearted.
22
I was stupid and ignorant,
and I treated you
as a wild animal would.
23
But I never really left you,
and you hold my right hand.
24
Your advice has been my guide,
and later you will welcome me
in glory.
25
In heaven I have only you,
and on this earth
you are all I want.
26
My body and mind may fail,
but you are my strength
and my choice forever.
27
All-Powerful Lord God,
those who stay far from you
will be lost,
and you will destroy those
who are unfaithful.
28
It is good for me
to be near you.
I choose you as my protector,
and I will tell about
your wonderful deeds.
— Psalm 73 | Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The Holy Bible, Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society.
Cross References: Genesis 5:24; Genesis 41:42; Genesis 49:24; Numbers 16:21; Leviticus 1:15; Judges 6:2; Judges 10:16; 1 Samuel 2:30; Job 15:27; Job 19:27; Job 21:7; Job 21:9; Job 22:13; Psalm 14:5; Psalm 26:6; Psalm 49:6; Psalm 55:23; Psalm 77:10; Psalm 94:18; Psalm 106:39; Proverbs 3:18; Ezekiel 35:11; Matthew 5:8; Philippians 3:8; Hebrews 10:22; James 3:5; Revelation 13:6
