Psalm 73:17–28

¹⁷Only when I came into God’s holy place 

did I ⸤finally⸥ understand what would happen to them. 

¹⁸You put them in slippery places 

and make them fall into ruin. 

¹⁹They are suddenly destroyed. 

They are completely swept away by terror! 

²⁰As ⸤someone⸥ gets rid of a dream when he wakes up, 

so you, O Lord, get rid of the thought of them 

when you wake up. 

²¹When my heart was filled with bitterness 

and my mind was seized ⸤with envy⸥, 

²²I was stupid, and I did not understand. 

I was like a dumb animal in your presence. 

²³Yet, I am always with you. 

You hold on to my right hand. 

²⁴With your advice you guide me, 

and in the end you will take me to glory. 

²⁵As long as I have you, 

I don’t need anyone else in heaven or on earth. 

²⁶My body and mind may waste away, 

but God remains the foundation of my life 

and my inheritance forever. 

²⁷Without a doubt, those who are far from you will die. 

You destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 

²⁸Being united with God is my highest good. 

I have made the Almighty Lord my refuge 

so that I may report everything that he has done.