Psalm 73
(from the Iona Abbey Worship Book)
All God is good to the upright,
to those who are pure in heart
A My feet were close to slipping.
I almost lost my balance.
I had started to envy the arrogant
when I saw how the haughty flourish.
B They seem to avoid suffering
their bodies are healthy and sleek;
trouble appears to bypass them,
their lives are free of affliction.
A They talk of menace and malice,
breathing down people's necks.
They slander the kingdom of heaven
with tongues never silent on earth
B Many are taken in by them,
believing they do nothing wrong.
They say, "Does God really care?
Perhaps the Most High doesn't know."
A Have I kept myself pure for nothing,
Washing my hands in innocence?
For every new morning brings trouble,
and day after day I am punished.
B Had I thought to do as they do
I would have betrayed my people.
So I tried to make sense of this mess,
but found it too difficult for me.
A Once I entered God's sanctuary
then I began to understand.
In a moment they will be destroyed
on the slippery slope to ruin.
B My God, I am always with you;
you take me by the right hand.
Your wisdom continues to guide me
and you will receive me in glory.
A Because you fold me into your realm,
there is nothing I need upon earth.
Though flesh and blood may fail,
The Eternal is my strength forever.
All God is good to the upright,
to those who are pure in heart.