Psalms 73:9

“They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.”

Context: Psalm 73 is a psalm written by Asaph, one of the chief musicians in King David’s time. It is a contemplation on the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the struggles faced by the righteous.

The struggle of the psalmist: In the preceding verses, the psalmist expresses his doubts and frustration, confessing his envy of the prosperity of the wicked. He ponders why the righteous suffer while the wicked seem to thrive.

“They set their mouth against the heavens”: This phrase refers to the arrogant and boastful speech of the wicked. They speak against God and His authority. It signifies their rebellion and refusal to acknowledge God’s sovereignty.

“Their tongue walketh through the earth”: This statement conveys the far-reaching nature of their speech. The wicked use their words to spread their influence and cause harm. They engage in slander, gossip, and deceit, affecting people wherever they go.

Lessons for believers:

• a) Beware of envy: The psalmist’s struggle with envy is a reminder for believers to guard their hearts against jealousy. Envy can lead to questioning God’s justice and doubting His goodness. Instead, we should trust in God’s plans and His timing for our lives.
• b) The temporary nature of worldly success: The psalmist’s observations about the apparent prosperity of the wicked emphasize the fleeting nature of worldly success. While it may seem like the wicked are thriving, their prosperity is ultimately short-lived. As believers, our focus should be on eternal blessings and seeking God’s kingdom rather than being consumed by earthly achievements.
• c) The power of words: The psalmist highlights the destructive power of the wicked’s words. As believers, we must be mindful of our speech and use our words to build up, encourage, and speak the truth in love. We should avoid speaking against God or engaging in gossip, slander, or any form of harmful speech.

Trusting in God’s sovereignty: The psalmist finds resolution by shifting his perspective towards the sanctuary of God (verse 17). He realizes that God is ultimately just and that the wicked will face judgment. He acknowledges God’s guidance and receives comfort in His presence. This reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s sovereignty, even when circumstances seem unfair or confusing.