Psalms - Chapter 73

Psalms 73.1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. Psalms 73.2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. Psalms 73.3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalms 73.4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. Psalms 73.5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Psalms 73.6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Psalms 73.8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. Psalms 73.9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Psalms 73.10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. Psalms 73.11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Psalms 73.12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Psalms 73.13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. Psalms 73.14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. Psalms 73.15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. Psalms 73.16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Psalms 73.17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Psalms 73.18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. Psalms 73.19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. Psalms 73.20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. Psalms 73.21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. Psalms 73.22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Psalms 73.23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Psalms 73.24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalms 73.25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. Psalms 73.26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Psalms 73.27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. Psalms 73.28 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.

Psalms : Chapter 73

Psalm 73: A Reflection on the Prosperity of the Wicked

Psalm 73, attributed to Asaph, addresses a fundamental question: why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? The psalmist, in his honesty, shares his inner struggle with envy and doubt. This struggle reaches its peak when he discovers a new perspective on God's sanctuary, offering light in the darkness of his questioning.

Main Themes of Psalm 73

This psalm explores essential themes such as:

Psalm 73 thus offers comfort to souls troubled by questions of theodicy, inviting us to examine our own faith and our relationship with the Creator.

Resonances Biblical

To explore this reflection further, let's examine five biblical passages that resonate with the eternal truths of Psalm 73:

Meditating on these passages, we are invited to renew our trust in God and find peace in His presence, even amidst life's uncertainties.