The author of Psalm 73 explained that at one point in his life, his feet almost had slipped from the righteous way because he had become envious of the wicked who were prosperous. His bitterness caused him to be like a beast toward God (73:22).
The author complained that their bodies were fat with excess food, while the godly sometimes had too little to eat (73:4). They oppressed others (73:8). They were even so bold as to set themselves against God (73:9).
When the author considered these inequities he began to despair, and he was not the only one. He wrote concerning the thoughts of God's people, "How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?" Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence" (73:11-13). In other words, they wondered where the benefit was of serving God if they were going to suffer while the wicked prospered.
The final portion of the psalm, however, places things into perspective. Even though it may seem like the wicked prosper, they will fall to ruin in the end (73:18). Just as one wakes from a dream and its content fades away like a phantom, so will be the wicked in their destruction (73:20). On the other hand, God guides the godly, and He is their refuge (73:24, 28).
Christian, next time you find yourself envying the prosperity of the wicked, remember their fate and continue on the path of righteousness. Jesus's way is the best and only way! My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (73:26).
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