Psalm 73:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek.

NIV: They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.

NASB: For there are no pains in their death, And their belly is fat.

CSB: They have an easy time until they die, and their bodies are well fed.

NLT: They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.

KJV: For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

NKJV: For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm.

Even today, faithful believers sometimes struggle to understand why godless people prosper (Psalm 73:1–3). It's difficult to avoid feelings of jealousy in those situations. In Asaph's view, some living in his era defied God and yet were healthy and happy. The word "pangs" signifies pain and suffering: such people are free from disease and pain. In the context of this complaint, these were not necessarily all wicked people, at all times, but certainly enough to test Asaph's resolve.

Of course, many prosperous wicked people experience trials, and some suffer pain. Even the most successful person—wicked or not—is not immune from cancer or other painful afflictions. More than a few well-to-do people are unhealthy, often due to their own lifestyle choices. It's also true that rejecting God's wisdom puts a person at risk of consequences (Proverbs 9:13–18). Still, from Asaph's point of view, these godless ones seemed free of disease and perfectly healthy.

Perhaps Asaph's health was poor and he experienced physical pain. In that case, he would be even more tempted to envy sinful people whose health was good. Job, too, saw quite a contrast between his physical distress and the good health of the wicked. He said, "When I remember, I am dismayed, and shuddering seizes my flesh. Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power? (Job 21:6–7). It is the mark of a humble worshiper of God to accept what God brings into his life without envying those who seem to have no trouble.

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.