{Psa 50, 73-82 ^**}

    ^73:1 Surely God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. ^73:2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped.

    ^73:3 Because I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. ^73:4 Because there are no pains in their death, but their strength is firm.

    ^73:5 They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. ^73:6 Therefore pride is as a chain around their neck. Violence covers them as a garment.

    ^73:7 Their eyes stand out with fatness. They have more than heart could wish.

    ^73:8 They scoff and utter oppression in wickedness. They speak loftily. ^73:9 They have set their mouth in the heavens and their tongue walks through the earth.

    ^73:10 Therefore his people return here and waters of a full cup are drained by them.

    ^73:11 And they say, How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?

    ^73:12 Behold, these are the wicked and those who prosper of old. They have possessed wealth.

    ^73:13 Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocence, ^73:14 I have been plagued for all the day long and rebukes every morning.

    ^73:15 If I had said, I will speak thus, behold, I would have dealt treacherously with the generation of your sons.

    ^73:16 When I thought how I might understand this, it was too painful for me, ^73:17 until I went into the sanctuary of God and considered their latter end.

    ^73:18 Surely you set them in slippery places. You cast them down to destruction. ^73:19 How they have become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors.

    ^73:20 As a dream from awakening, O Lord, when you waken, you will despise their form.

    ^73:21 Because my soul was grieved and I was pricked in my heart. ^73:22 So I was stupid and ignorant. I was a beast before you.

    ^73:23 Nevertheless I am continually with you. You have held my right hand. ^73:24 You will guide me with your counsel and afterward receive me to glory.

    ^73:25 Whom have I in heaven? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides you. ^73:26 My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my everlasting portion.

    ^73:27 Because behold, those who are far from you will perish. You have destroyed all those who play the prostitute from you.

    ^73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God. I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.