When the Prosperity of the Wicked Tests Faith

Psalm 73 wrestles honestly with the spiritual struggle caused by seeing the prosperity of the wicked while the righteous suffer. The psalmist nearly stumbles in faith, questioning the value of purity and obedience when arrogance appears rewarded. The turning point comes in the sanctuary of God, where eternal perspective replaces human reasoning. The chapter reveals that worldly success is temporary, while separation from God leads to ultimate ruin. Its purpose is to teach that true blessing is found in God’s presence, not in visible prosperity.

Psalms 73:1 – 73:28

  1 A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart.
  2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
  3 For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
  4 For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm.
  5 They [are] not in trouble [as other] men; neither are they plagued like [other] men.
  6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment.
  7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
  8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression: they speak loftily.
  9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
  10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full [cup] are wrung out to them.
  11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
  12 Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.
  13 Verily I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
  14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
  15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children.
  16 When I thought to know this, it [was] too painful for me;
  17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; [then] understood I their end.
  18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
  19 How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
  20 As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
  21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
  22 So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee.
  23 Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand.
  24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.
  25 Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.
  26 My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
  27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
  28 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.