Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
Psalms 73 is a powerful and relatable psalm, especially for those who have ever struggled with the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Penned by Asaph, a worship leader and prophet during King David's reign (1_Chronicles 6:31–32, 39), this psalm unveils a personal crisis of faith born from observing what seemed like an unfair distribution of fortune. It is the first psalm in a collection echoing the themes of worship found in Leviticus. Asaph’s journey from bitterness and envy to renewed trust in God offers profound insights for believers today. The essence of Psalms 73 revolves around Asaph's struggle with the seeming contradiction between God's goodness and the prosperity of the wicked, a theme also explored in Job 21.
Almost Slipping: The Initial Crisis (73:1-12)
Asaph begins by affirming God's goodness to Israel, to those who are pure in heart (Psalms 73:1). Yet, he immediately confesses that his faith nearly faltered (Psalms 73:2). The reason? He envied the arrogant and observed the prosperity of the wicked (Psalms 73:3). He was caught in a conflict between his theological understanding and his personal experience.
The psalm vividly depicts the ungodly as seemingly untouched by suffering, well-fed, and free from the troubles that plague others (Psalms 73:4-5). Indeed, they appear to live at ease. While Proverbs emphasizes the consequences of sin (Proverbs 9:13–18), Asaph, in his moment of doubt, perceived the wicked as having no worries. They flaunt their wickedness, wearing pride like a necklace (Psalms 73:6). Rather than being ashamed, they celebrate their status. Their mouths pour out arrogance; they boast of malice (Psalms 73:8).
Even more disturbing, these individuals mock and ridicule believers. They speak against heaven, denying God's knowledge and authority (Psalms 73:9, 11). Asaph was pained to see this arrogance coming from those who seemed to suffer no consequences. They seem to proclaim, "Why waste your time following God? We live as we please and are doing just fine."
The Agony of Doubt (73:13-16)
Asaph lays bare the internal conflict raging within him: "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence" (Psalms 73:13). He questions whether his ethical behavior has been pointless. While the wicked thrive, Asaph finds himself afflicted and punished (Psalms 73:14). He even contemplates whether he should have lived as he pleased, at least to share in the benefits enjoyed by unbelievers.
However, Asaph recognizes the potential damage of voicing such doubts, especially as a spiritual leader (Psalms 73:15). He understood that such pessimism would drive people away from God, not to Him. He confesses his struggle: "When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply" (Psalms 73:16).
It's important to note that Asaph didn't hide his feelings from God. He was honest about his confusion and frustration. When we feel let down by God, we can bring our struggles to Him in prayer. He is not afraid of our concerns or troubled by our disappointments. It is far better to pour out our anger and anxieties to God than to bury them inside and turn to sin.
Entering the Sanctuary: A Shift in Perspective (73:17-20)
Asaph's "until" marks a crucial turning point: "until I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny" (Psalms 73:17). In God's presence, Asaph gained a fresh vision of God's glory and an eternal perspective regarding the wicked.
He suddenly grasped that God had placed them on slippery ground (Psalms 73:18). Their apparent success is fleeting and ultimately leads to destruction. If they do not turn to God in repentance and faith, their slick path will send them sliding into ruin. They may appear to be cruising along life's highway, but they are certain to come to a devastating end (Psalms 73:19). Asaph realizes that the wicked will be swept away by terrors (Psalms 73:19).
Remembering God's Presence (73:21-28)
Asaph finally understands that his bitterness had made him foolish and ignorant, like a beast before God (Psalms 73:21-22). He lacked an eternal perspective. Once Asaph regains God's view of life, he realizes that God is always with him, holding his right hand (Psalms 73:23). God was holding Asaph, and He wasn't letting go.
Not only does Asaph have God's presence, but also His guidance, His counsel. God's Word directs us to believe what is true and to live with wisdom. And when this life is over, while the wicked are "swept away by terrors" (Psalms 73:19), God will take the righteous up in glory (Psalms 73:24). As Asaph's perspective shifts, he realizes that he desires nothing but God (Psalms 73:25). He recognizes that the Lord is everything to him. Regardless of the temporary pleasures the wicked receive in this life, Asaph has God as his portion forever (Psalms 73:26).
Asaph began the psalm with, "But as for me, my feet almost slipped" (Psalms 73:2). He concludes with, "But as for me, it is good to be near God" (Psalms 73:28). What happened between verses 2 and 28? He encountered God in worship. In the presence of God, he found the truth, hope, and strength he needed. As a result, he wants nothing more than to tell others about God (Psalms 73:28). Let life's confusion drive you to God, not away from Him.
Ultimately, Psalms 73 reminds us that true fulfillment and lasting joy are not found in material prosperity or worldly success, but in a close, intimate relationship with God.
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
Psalms 73 is a powerful and relatable psalm, especially for those who have ever struggled with the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Penned by Asaph, a worship leader and prophet during King David's reign (1_Chronicles 6:31–32, 39), this psalm unveils a personal crisis of faith born from observing what seemed like an unfair distribution of fortune. It is the first psalm in a collection echoing the themes of worship found in Leviticus. Asaph’s journey from bitterness and envy to renewed trust in God offers profound insights for believers today. The essence of Psalms 73 revolves around Asaph's struggle with the seeming contradiction between God's goodness and the prosperity of the wicked, a theme also explored in Job 21.
Almost Slipping: The Initial Crisis (73:1-12)
Asaph begins by affirming God's goodness to Israel, to those who are pure in heart (Psalms 73:1). Yet, he immediately confesses that his faith nearly faltered (Psalms 73:2). The reason? He envied the arrogant and observed the prosperity of the wicked (Psalms 73:3). He was caught in a conflict between his theological understanding and his personal experience.
The psalm vividly depicts the ungodly as seemingly untouched by suffering, well-fed, and free from the troubles that plague others (Psalms 73:4-5). Indeed, they appear to live at ease. While Proverbs emphasizes the consequences of sin (Proverbs 9:13–18), Asaph, in his moment of doubt, perceived the wicked as having no worries. They flaunt their wickedness, wearing pride like a necklace (Psalms 73:6). Rather than being ashamed, they celebrate their status. Their mouths pour out arrogance; they boast of malice (Psalms 73:8).
Even more disturbing, these individuals mock and ridicule believers. They speak against heaven, denying God's knowledge and authority (Psalms 73:9, 11). Asaph was pained to see this arrogance coming from those who seemed to suffer no consequences. They seem to proclaim, "Why waste your time following God? We live as we please and are doing just fine."
The Agony of Doubt (73:13-16)
Asaph lays bare the internal conflict raging within him: "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence" (Psalms 73:13). He questions whether his ethical behavior has been pointless. While the wicked thrive, Asaph finds himself afflicted and punished (Psalms 73:14). He even contemplates whether he should have lived as he pleased, at least to share in the benefits enjoyed by unbelievers.
However, Asaph recognizes the potential damage of voicing such doubts, especially as a spiritual leader (Psalms 73:15). He understood that such pessimism would drive people away from God, not to Him. He confesses his struggle: "When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply" (Psalms 73:16).
It's important to note that Asaph didn't hide his feelings from God. He was honest about his confusion and frustration. When we feel let down by God, we can bring our struggles to Him in prayer. He is not afraid of our concerns or troubled by our disappointments. It is far better to pour out our anger and anxieties to God than to bury them inside and turn to sin.
Entering the Sanctuary: A Shift in Perspective (73:17-20)
Asaph's "until" marks a crucial turning point: "until I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny" (Psalms 73:17). In God's presence, Asaph gained a fresh vision of God's glory and an eternal perspective regarding the wicked.
He suddenly grasped that God had placed them on slippery ground (Psalms 73:18). Their apparent success is fleeting and ultimately leads to destruction. If they do not turn to God in repentance and faith, their slick path will send them sliding into ruin. They may appear to be cruising along life's highway, but they are certain to come to a devastating end (Psalms 73:19). Asaph realizes that the wicked will be swept away by terrors (Psalms 73:19).
Remembering God's Presence (73:21-28)
Asaph finally understands that his bitterness had made him foolish and ignorant, like a beast before God (Psalms 73:21-22). He lacked an eternal perspective. Once Asaph regains God's view of life, he realizes that God is always with him, holding his right hand (Psalms 73:23). God was holding Asaph, and He wasn't letting go.
Not only does Asaph have God's presence, but also His guidance, His counsel. God's Word directs us to believe what is true and to live with wisdom. And when this life is over, while the wicked are "swept away by terrors" (Psalms 73:19), God will take the righteous up in glory (Psalms 73:24). As Asaph's perspective shifts, he realizes that he desires nothing but God (Psalms 73:25). He recognizes that the Lord is everything to him. Regardless of the temporary pleasures the wicked receive in this life, Asaph has God as his portion forever (Psalms 73:26).
Asaph began the psalm with, "But as for me, my feet almost slipped" (Psalms 73:2). He concludes with, "But as for me, it is good to be near God" (Psalms 73:28). What happened between verses 2 and 28? He encountered God in worship. In the presence of God, he found the truth, hope, and strength he needed. As a result, he wants nothing more than to tell others about God (Psalms 73:28). Let life's confusion drive you to God, not away from Him.
Ultimately, Psalms 73 reminds us that true fulfillment and lasting joy are not found in material prosperity or worldly success, but in a close, intimate relationship with God.