Psalm 73:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,

NIV: When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply

NASB: When I thought of understanding this, It was troublesome in my sight

CSB: When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless

NLT: So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!

KJV: When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

NKJV: When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me—

No matter how hard Asaph tried, this was a puzzle he could not unravel. He could not understand why the wicked fared so well. Scripture does not explain if he was thinking of a specific example, or a group of people, or just evil in general. Asaph felt very real angst, but also realized the danger of giving in to cynicism (Psalm 73:15).

Likewise, Christian believers often wear themselves out trying to understand why they experience trials while unbelievers seem to escape them. Insisting on a palatable answer costs them joy, peace, and even sleep. They may ask trusted Christian friends to pray for them, but a satisfactory explanation eludes them. Even their pastor cannot provide a comfortable response. Their friends may recite Romans 8:28, seeking to help, but to no avail. Even the assurance of a friend that he or she understands what a perplexed believer is going through doesn't always help. In times like those, frustrated believers can identify with Asaph.

And yet, at some point in time, even the most intelligent and experienced person will reach the end of their ability. No person can fully comprehend all things. There comes a point where we must admit our limitations and accept that not all questions can be entirely answered in this life (Isaiah 55:8–9). That includes our search for answers as to why some evil, godless people prosper while good people suffer (Psalm 73:2–3). At least part of our answer comes when we understand the end results of evil (Psalm 73:17).

Psalm 73:15–28 gives a fitting resolution to Asaph's complaint (Psalm 73:2–3). He was disturbed by the contrast between the seemingly prosperous wicked and the difficulties of the righteous. Many today feel the same conflict. An eternal perspective gave the answer he needed to those hard examples. In short, wickedness does come with risks, and earthly life is not all there is to our existence. Even in the context of the natural world, evil invites negative consequences and disaster. In eternity, judgment on godlessness is absolutely guaranteed.

Seeing godless people thrive, even as they hatefully mock God, while believers suffer, leads many people to a crisis of faith. This was the case for Asaph. Using exaggerated imagery, he complains to the Lord that it seems as if evil people have easy lives, while godly people suffer. Further reflection reminds Asaph that sin does lead to consequences, both in this life and the next. He confesses his sins of bitterness and resolves to trust God more deeply.

This psalm is the first in a collection which corresponds to Leviticus and the overall theme of worship. Asaph, who wrote Psalm 73, confesses that seeing prosperity among wicked people brought him bitterness and envy. That nearly caused him to lose trust in God. Carefully considering God and His eternal truth led Asaph to a stronger faith. Job chapter 21, in which trial-laden Job also complains about the success of some wicked people, mentions many of the same ideas as Psalm 73.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.