1) The Struggle: Envy of the Prosperity of the Wicked
“But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, my steps had almost slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant, as I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:2–3 NASB)
2) The Turning Point: Perspective in God’s Sanctuary
“When I thought of understanding this, It was troublesome in my sight, Until I entered the sanctuary of God; Then I perceived their end.” (Psalm 73:16–17 NASB)
The breakthrough does not come from new facts but from a new perspective: standing before God. In His presence we see the end, not just the moment. The wicked may shine for a time, but their end is ruin Galatians 6:7*“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap.”.
3) The Reality: False Security of the Godless
“Behold, these are the wicked; And always at ease, they have increased in
wealth.”
(Psalm 73:12 NASB)
Yet soon after, Asaph realizes:
“You indeed put them on slippery ground; You dropped them into
ruin.”
(Psalm 73:18 NASB)
What looks like strength without God is only temporary. Worldly wealth and comfort can never secure eternal safety James 4:13-5:1*“Come now, you rich people, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”.
4) The Greater Good: God Is Our Portion Forever
“Whom do I have in heaven but You? And with You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:25–26 NASB)
The answer is not to minimize injustice but to elevate God’s nearness as life’s true treasure. “But as for me, the nearness of God is good for me.” (Psalm 73:28 NASB)
5) Application: Living Psalm 73 in Today’s World
- Do not measure life by temporary success – judge it before God’s eternity.
- Reject envy – cure it with gratitude and trust in God’s presence.
- Walk with integrity – what we sow, we will also reap Galatians 6:7*“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap.”.
- Don’t be shaken by the temporary peace of the ungodly – it is a false peace Psalm 37:1–2*“Do not get upset because of evildoers, Do not be envious of wrongdoers. For they will wither quickly like the grass, And decay like the green plants.”.
A Literary Echo
“Though the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Like Asaph, poets remind us: God’s justice may seem delayed, but it is certain.
Conclusion
Psalm 73 invites us to stop counting “good” by quick gains or worldly appearances. True good is found in the nearness of God. That is hope not only for individuals but for all nations: peace of conscience and trust in God’s faithfulness.
For Further Study
- Job 21:7 – Why do the wicked still live, become old, and also powerful?
- Jeremiah 5:28-29 - They have become fat and sleek... Shall I not punish them?
- Malachi 3:15-18 - The arrogant are called blessed... but the Lord remembers those who fear Him.
- Ecclesiastes 8:11-13 – Though a sinner does evil a hundred times... it will be well for those who fear God.
- Habakkuk 1:13 - Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they?