Psalms 73:7

Their eies stand out with fatnes: they haue more then heart could wish. Psalms 73:7 (KJV)

Psalm 73, attributed to Asaph, wrestles with the age‑old problem of the prosperity of the wicked and the struggles of the righteous. The psalm opens with a declaration of trust in God’s goodness toward the pure in heart (verse 1). Soon the psalmist confesses envy and confusion as he observes the flourishing of the ungodly (verses 2‑3). In verse 7 he describes the arrogant and prosperous lifestyle of the wicked: “Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.” The vivid language paints a picture of self‑indulgence and gluttony—eyes that are bulging, a life filled with abundance and excess, where material possessions and food are more than enough to satisfy any desire.

This observation highlights the apparent contradiction between the outward wealth of the wicked and the hardships faced by the righteous, prompting the psalmist to question the fairness of God’s dealings. The turning point arrives in verse 17, when the psalmist enters the sanctuary of God. In the presence of the Divine he gains a new perspective on the ultimate destiny of both the wicked and the righteous. The insight he receives reshapes his understanding, revealing that worldly wealth and success are fleeting, while God’s goodness and provision endure forever.

Overall, Psalm 73:7 underscores the contrast between the temporary, material abundance enjoyed by the wicked and the enduring, spiritual security found in God. It calls believers to seek God’s perspective, trust in His ultimate justice, and remember that true fulfillment is not found in earthly riches but in the everlasting goodness of the Lord.