Psalm 73:17–28

¹⁷Then I went into your sanctuary, O God,

and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.

¹⁸Truly, you put them on a slippery path

and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.

¹⁹In an instant they are destroyed,

completely swept away by terrors.

²⁰When you arise, O Lord,

you will laugh at their silly ideas

as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

²¹Then I realized that my heart was bitter,

and I was all torn up inside.

²²I was so foolish and ignorant—

I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

²³Yet I still belong to you;

you hold my right hand.

²⁴You guide me with your counsel,

leading me to a glorious destiny.

²⁵Whom have I in heaven but you?

I desire you more than anything on earth.

²⁶My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

he is mine forever.

²⁷Those who desert him will perish,

for you destroy those who abandon you.

²⁸But as for me, how good it is to be near God!

I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,

and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.