Psalms 73:2

But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

Psalms 73:2 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 73 is a wisdom psalm of Asaph, a Levite appointed as a chief musician. The psalm opens with a general statement of God’s goodness to Israel, then turns to the psalmist’s personal struggle. In verse 2, the phrase “but as for me” marks a shift from that general truth to his own experience. He confesses that his feet were almost gone and his steps had well nigh slipped, using the image of a traveler who nearly falls on a dangerous path. This near-slip is not physical but spiritual, as the next verse explains that he was envious of the prosperity of the arrogant.

Meaning

The words “almost” and “well nigh” show that the psalmist did not actually fall, but he came very close. His feet were “gone” and his steps “slipped,” meaning he was on the verge of losing his footing in faith. This language pictures a person who is unstable, ready to stumble into doubt or disobedience. The psalmist is honest about his vulnerability, admitting that even a devoted servant of God can face a moment of spiritual crisis. His confession is a model of candid prayer, showing that believers may bring their doubts and fears openly before God.

Biblical connections

The metaphor of slipping feet appears elsewhere in Scripture. In Psalm 94:18, the psalmist says, “When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.” This connection emphasizes that God is the one who keeps His people from falling. The psalmist’s crisis is resolved when he enters the sanctuary of God and understands the end of the wicked (Psalm 73:17). There he learns that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary, and that true stability is found only in God’s presence. The verse reminds us that spiritual stability is not self-made but is a gift from God, who alone can keep our steps from slipping.

Application

This verse speaks to believers who feel their faith wavering. When we see the wicked prosper while we struggle, we may be tempted to doubt God’s justice. The psalmist’s example teaches us to admit our struggles honestly rather than hide them. We can pour out our hearts to God in prayer, sharing our doubts and frustrations. We should also seek God’s perspective through His Word and in His presence, just as the psalmist did in the sanctuary. Instead of judging our spiritual condition by material prosperity, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty and His perfect timing for justice.

Reflection

The near-fall of the psalmist is a reminder that no one is immune to spiritual danger. Yet the verse also carries hope: his feet were almost gone, but not completely. God’s mercy holds His people even when they stumble. We can take comfort in knowing that our stability does not depend on our own strength but on God’s faithful keeping. As we face our own moments of doubt, we can turn to Him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before His presence.