Psalm 73

Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

Indeed, God showers His love on Israel, especially on those with pure hearts.

But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

I was on the verge of losing my way; I nearly stumbled and fell.

For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

I felt a pang of jealousy when I saw the success of those who do wrong.

For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

Even their deaths come without pain or struggle; their strength remains unshaken.

They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

They don't face the same hardships as others, nor do they suffer like the rest.

Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

Their arrogance binds them like a chain, and their violent acts cloak them like a garment.

Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

Their eyes gleam with abundance; their desires exceed their hearts' capacity.

They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

They are corrupt and mock others; with arrogant words they threaten to crush people.

They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

They speak ill of the divine, their words spreading negativity across the land.

Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

Thus, his followers come back to him, receiving an overflowing cup of blessings.

And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

They question, "Does God truly understand? Does the Almighty possess knowledge?"

Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

Look, those who don't follow God often thrive in this world, their wealth constantly growing.

Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

Truly, I've purified my heart for nothing, and cleansed my hands without purpose.

For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.

Every single day, I've been tormented and corrected as each morning dawns.

If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.

If I had spoken my mind that way, I would have betrayed your children, your own people.

When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

When I tried to understand this, it overwhelmed me with sorrow.

Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

It wasn't until I stepped into God's sacred space that I truly grasped their ultimate fate.

Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

You definitely placed them on unstable ground, leading them towards their downfall.

How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

They're suddenly plunged into ruin, completely overwhelmed by fear.

As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

Like a dream that fades upon waking, so too, Lord, when you awaken, you will reject their false appearances.

Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

My heart ached deeply, and I felt a sharp sting in my soul.

So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

I was so naive and uninformed, acting like a wild animal in your presence.

Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.

Even when I feel alone, I know you're always with me, holding my hand, guiding me.

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

You will guide me with your wisdom, and later, welcome me into your glorious presence.

Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

In heaven, who else do I have but you? On earth, there's no one else I long for but you.

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Even when my body and heart give up, God remains my unwavering strength and eternal refuge.

For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

Indeed, those who distance themselves from you will perish; you've destroyed all who have been unfaithful to you.

But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Feeling joy as I grow closer to God, I place all my faith in Him. I'm eager to share His wonderful deeds with everyone.