Chapter Summary
Psalm 73 wrestles with why the wicked prosper. Asaph nearly stumbled seeing the arrogant at ease, wealthy, and healthy while he suffered. He envied the wicked until he entered God's sanctuary and understood their end - placed on slippery ground, destroyed in a moment. He then realizes God is always with him, guiding him, and afterward receiving him to glory. "Whom have I in heaven but You?"
Key Verses in This Chapter
Psalms Chapter 73
Chapter 73 of Psalms from the Holy Bible
Verses
Psalms 73:1
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
Psalms 73:2
But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
Psalms 73:3
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Psalms 73:4
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
Psalms 73:5
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
Psalms 73:6
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
Psalms 73:7
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
Psalms 73:8
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
Psalms 73:9
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
Psalms 73:10
Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
Psalms 73:11
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
Psalms 73:12
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Psalms 73:13
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
Psalms 73:14
For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
Psalms 73:15
If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
Psalms 73:16
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
Psalms 73:17
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
Psalms 73:18
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
Psalms 73:19
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
Psalms 73:20
As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
Psalms 73:21
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
Psalms 73:22
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Psalms 73:23
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Psalms 73:24
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Psalms 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
Psalms 73:26
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Psalms 73:27
For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
Psalms 73:28
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
People Also Ask
What is Psalm 73 about?
Psalm 73 honestly addresses the problem of evil prospering. Asaph nearly lost his faith seeing wicked people healthy, wealthy, and carefree while he suffered. The turning point comes when he enters God's sanctuary and gains eternal perspective - the wicked are on slippery ground heading toward destruction. He then realizes that God's presence itself is the ultimate good, greater than any earthly blessing.