A psalm by Asaph.
73:1 Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure!
73:2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slid out from under me.
73:3 For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked.
73:4 For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well-fed.
73:5 They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do.
73:6 Arrogance is their necklace, and violence their clothing.
73:7 Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful.
73:8 They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence.
73:9 They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth.
73:10 Therefore they have more than enough food to eat, and even suck up the water of the sea.
73:11 They say, “How does God know what we do? Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?”
73:12 Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like, those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer.
73:13 I concluded, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle.
73:14 I suffer all day long, and am punished every morning.”
73:15 If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your loyal followers.
73:16 When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me.
73:17 Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple, and understood the destiny of the wicked.
73:18 Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin.