Surely God Is Good to Israel

73 A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God [is] good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.

3 For I envied the arrogant [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.

5 They are free of the burdens others {carry}; they are not afflicted like [other] men.

6 Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.

7 From their prosperity proceeds iniquity;[fn] the imaginations of their hearts run wild.

8 They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.

9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.

10 So their people[fn] return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.

11 The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”

12 Behold, these [are] the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth.

13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure in innocence I have washed my hands.

14 For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning

15 If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.

16 When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight

17 until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.

18 Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.

19 How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!

20 Like [one] waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken [and] despise their form.

21 When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,

22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.

23 Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.

24 You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength[fn] of my heart and my portion forever.

27 Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.

28 But as for me, [it is] good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.