Psalm 73:1-12 | The Way of Scripture

Psalm 73:1-12

Why does the prosperity of the wicked almost overturn the speaker’s trust?

Berean Standard Bible

1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. 5 They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them. 7 From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. 8 They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. 9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. 10 So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance. 11 The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” 12 Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth.

What is the context?

The opening confession of God’s goodness is followed by the speaker’s near fall into envy. Arrogant people appear comfortable, prosperous, and untroubled.

Their security feeds pride, violence, and speech that challenges God’s knowledge. The speaker describes why those appearances have become such a temptation.

The account is the viewpoint being struggled through, not a universal report that every wicked person enjoys good health or an easy death. The rest of the psalm will test that first impression.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley reads the danger as a near loss of confidence in providence. The USCCB note calls the opening goodness a hard-won conclusion. Its acknowledgement that the people-and-water line is obscure cautions against a precise reconstruction of an unrecorded ritual.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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