(Psalms 73–89)

1 God is truly good to Israel,*

especially to everyone

with a pure heart.

2 But I almost stumbled and fell,

3 because it made me jealous

to see proud and evil people

and to watch them prosper.

4 They never have to suffer,*

they stay healthy,

5 and they don't have troubles

like everyone else.

6 Their pride is like a necklace,

and they commit sin more often

than they dress themselves.

7 Their eyes bulge with fat,

and their minds are flooded

with foolish thoughts.

8 They sneer and say cruel things,

and because of their pride,

they make violent threats.

9 They dare to speak against God

and to order others around.

10 God will bring his people back,

and they will drink the water

he so freely gives.*

11 Only evil people would say,

"God Most High cannot

know everything!"

12 Yet all goes well for them,

and they live in peace.

13 What good did it do me

to keep my thoughts pure

and refuse to do wrong?

14 I am sick all day,

and I am punished

each morning.

15 If I had said evil things,

I would not have been loyal

to your people.

16 It was hard for me

to understand all this!

17 Then I went to your temple,

and there I understood

what will happen

to my enemies.

18 You will make them stumble,

never to get up again.

19 They will be terrified,

suddenly swept away

and no longer there.

20 They will disappear, Lord,

despised like a bad dream

the morning after.

21 Once I was bitter

and brokenhearted.

22 I was stupid and ignorant,

and I treated you

as a wild animal would.

23 But I never really left you,

and you hold my right hand.

24 Your advice has been my guide,

and later you will welcome me

in glory.*

25 In heaven I have only you,

and on this earth

you are all I want.

26 My body and mind may fail,

but you are my strength

and my choice forever.

27 All-Powerful Lord God,

those who stay far from you

will be lost,

and you will destroy those

who are unfaithful.

28 It is good for me

to be near you.

I choose you as my protector,

and I will tell about

your wonderful deeds.