New International Version

Psalm 73:13-26 New International Version (NIV)

13. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.

14. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.

15. If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.

16. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply

17. till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

18. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.

19. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!

20. They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

21. When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,

22. I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.

23. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

24. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

25. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

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