Psalm 73:1-28
When My Heart Was Embittered
1A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
3For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.
5They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men.
6Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.
7From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
8They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.
10So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.
11The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”
12Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth.
13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.
14For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
15If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.
16When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight
17until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.
18Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.
19How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
20Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
21When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,
22I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.
23Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.
24You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.
25Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.
26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.
28But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.
Berean Standard Bible
The psalmist knows that God is good to Israel, yet his feet nearly slip because he envies the arrogant. The wicked seem healthy, wealthy, and free from the troubles that afflict other people. They speak proudly, oppress others, and still appear secure.
The psalmist wonders whether he has kept his heart clean for nothing. Then he enters God's sanctuary and understands the end of the wicked: their apparent security stands on slippery ground. This is not a license to declare every wealthy person wicked. It is a correction to the belief that visible prosperity is proof of moral favor.
The psalmist's heart was embittered and ignorant, but God holds his right hand, guides him, and receives him into glory. No one in heaven or earth compares with God. His flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of his heart and portion forever.
Questions
1 What nearly causes the psalmist to slip?
AnswerHe envies arrogant people who seem to prosper without the troubles others experience.
2 What changes his understanding?
AnswerEntering God's sanctuary helps him see the true end of the wicked rather than judging by temporary appearance.
3 How has the psalmist behaved?
AnswerHis heart was embittered and ignorant, yet God continued to hold and guide him.
4 What is God to him?
AnswerGod is the strength of his heart and his portion forever, even when body and heart fail.
What This Means for Us
Envy can make injustice look like wisdom. Bring the comparison into God's presence, where temporary prosperity can be seen without becoming the measure of goodness.
The psalm is also kind about honest confusion. A bitter heart can still be held by God. Admit the envy before it hardens into contempt or imitation.
Prayer
God, hold us when envy makes our feet slip. Correct our view of prosperity, expose injustice, and be the strength of hearts that feel embittered, confused, or close to giving up. Amen.