Psalm 73:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

NIV: For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

NASB: For I was envious of the arrogant As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

CSB: For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

NLT: For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.

KJV: For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

NKJV: For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Asaph explains why he had almost made shipwreck of the faith (Psalm 73:2; 1 Timothy 1:19). He envied those who seemed to be evil, yet successful, and proud of both. Perhaps this was a specific person, or just godless people in general. It made no sense to Asaph that vile people had more possessions and seemed exempt from trouble (Psalm 73:4–5).

We know nothing about Asaph's economic situation. It's likely he had little money nor much in the way of possessions. As a Levite, he did not own any property. Whereas the other tribes of Israel had inherited land in Canaan, the Levites had none. Their inheritance was the Lord (Numbers 18:20; Deuteronomy 10:9).

Envy, also labelled as jealousy or covetousness, is condemned in Scripture. In Galatians 5:21 envy is listed as a result of our sinful nature, along with such evils as sexual immorality, idolatry, and so forth. First Peter 2:1 urges believers to put away envy. Instead of envying others because of their prosperity, believers are encouraged to be content with what they have because the Lord has promised to be with us at all times (Hebrews 13:5).

Psalm 73:1–9 depicts a struggle which resonates with Christians in many eras of history. Asaph almost abandoned his faith in God because he envied the prosperous wicked. He describes them as healthy, wealthy, proud, violent, and profane. Job 21 includes a similar description of the wicked. The wording here is meant to be somewhat exaggerated, reflecting the painful perspective of godly people who suffer. The following verses discuss how the same problems lead others to question God, and how Asaph ultimately resolves his doubts and confirms his faith.

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.