Psalms of David - Modern Translation - Psalm 73

Surely God is good to those who are pure in heart,
to those who walk in His presence with trust.

But I nearly stumbled, my footing almost gave way,
for I envied the prosperity of those who do wrong.

They seem to have no struggles,
their bodies are healthy and strong.

They are free from the burdens of life,
they are not plagued like others.

Pride is their necklace,
violence covers them like a garment.

Their hearts overflow with selfish desires,
their words are boastful and defiant.

They scoff and speak with arrogance,
claiming they answer to no one.

They say, "Does God even notice?
Is there knowledge in the Most High?"

Behold, these are the ways of the greedy,
they increase in wealth without concern.

And I wondered, "Have I kept my heart pure in vain?
Have I cleansed my hands for nothing?"

All day long I faced hardship,
each morning brought new trials.

But if I had spoken this way,
I would have betrayed Your faithful ones.

So I sought to understand,
but it was too painful for me—
until I entered the sanctuary of God,
and there I saw their true end.

Surely You set them on a slippery path,
casting them down in an instant.

How suddenly they are undone,
swept away in a moment!

Like a dream that fades upon waking,
so You, O Lord, will bring their illusions to nothing.

When my heart was bitter and my soul wounded,
I was senseless, like a beast before You.

Yet even then, You held me by my hand,
guiding me with Your wisdom,
leading me into Your glory.

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And on earth, I desire nothing more than You.

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

Those who turn away from You will perish,
for they choose distance over love.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Lord my refuge,
and I will declare all His works.