Psalms 73:3

For I was enuious at the foolish, when I sawe the prosperity of the wicked. Psalms 73:3 (KJV)

Psalm 73 is attributed to Asaph, one of the chief musicians during the time of King David. This psalm explores the struggle of the psalmist with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the seeming unfairness of life.

The psalmist begins by acknowledging his struggle with envy. He confesses that he was envious of the foolish, referring to those who disregarded God’s ways and lived in opposition to His commands. The source of his envy was the prosperity of the wicked, which he observed.

The psalmist describes how he witnessed the prosperity of the wicked. From his perspective, it seemed as though those who had no regard for God were enjoying success and wealth. This observation caused confusion and even questioning of the righteousness and justice of God.

The psalmist’s struggle with envy reveals a common human weakness. It is natural to question why the wicked seem to prosper while those who seek to live righteously may face trials and hardships. This struggle can lead to doubt and a crisis of faith.

As the psalm progresses, there is a shift in the psalmist’s perspective. Verse 17 marks a turning point, where he enters the sanctuary of God and gains a new understanding. He realises the ultimate destiny of the wicked and sees the fleeting nature of their prosperity.

The psalmist gains insight and understanding through his encounter with God. He recognises that God will ultimately judge the wicked and bring justice. In verse 28, he declares his trust in the Lord GOD, affirming his commitment to proclaiming God’s works.

This psalm teaches believers the importance of maintaining an eternal perspective. Envy and comparison can distort our view of reality and cause us to question God’s justice. However, when we seek God’s presence and gain His perspective, we find reassurance in His sovereignty and trust in His ultimate justice.