1Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
my steps had nearly slipped.
3For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4They have no struggle in their death;
their bodies are well-fed.
5They are free of the burdens others carry;
they are not afflicted like other men.
6Therefore pride is their necklace;
a garment of violence covers them.
7From their prosperity proceeds iniquity;
the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
8They mock and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9They set their mouths against the heavens,
and their tongues strut across the earth.
10So their people return to this place
and drink up waters in abundance.
11The wicked say, “How can God know?
Does the Most High have knowledge?”
12Behold, these are the wicked —
always carefree as they increase their wealth.
13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure;
in innocence I have washed my hands.
14For I am afflicted all day long
and punished every morning.
15If I had said, “I will speak this way,”
then I would have betrayed Your children.
16When I tried to understand all this,
it was troublesome in my sight
17until I entered God’s sanctuary;
then I discerned their end.
18Surely You set them on slick ground;
You cast them down into ruin.
19How suddenly they are laid waste,
completely swept away by terrors!
20Like one waking from a dream,
so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
21When my heart was grieved
and I was pierced within,
22I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before You.
— Psalm 73:1-22

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