Psalm 73 Bible Study – Why Do Wicked Prosper?
Psalm 73 Bible Study Video
One of the oldest questions people ask is, “Why do the wicked prosper?” Jeremiah, Job, and Habakkuk asked similar questions. A quick Google search shows that many people are still asking the same question today.
Let’s face it. Life often seems unfair. There are many things in the world that confuse us. Many ask, “Why do bad things happen to good people.” Well, the reverse of that is, “Why do good things happen to bad people?”
Perhaps it is the person who cheats on the test who gets a good score and obtains the scholarship. Perhaps it is the teacher who rips his lessons and does no preparation and gets the promotion. When we observe these things happening, it can cause confusion or even envy.
These things sometimes also happen on a large scale. Leopold the 2nd is one such person. He gives a bad name to wolves who dress up in sheep’s clothing. He pretended to have a charitable heart and wanted to help Africa and Congo. Because of his supposed altruistic intentions, the colonial nations in Europe in essence, gave him the Congo Free State to personally own and run.
Soon after he took control, he threw off the pretense of trying to help the people. His rule was filled with terrible atrocities and brutality, including forced slavery, torture, murder, hanging children, and mass amputations. Some estimate that as much as 50% of the Congolese population was killed under Leopold.
He did all of this for personal gain. He profited through the selling of ivory and rubber and other natural resources, becoming the richest person in the world.
When we see things like this, people ask, “Where is God? Why does He allow these things to happen?”
Asaph wrote Psalm 73 and is asking these same questions. We can follow his spiritual journey, see his perspective renewed, and find out the answer to the question, “Why do the wicked prosper?”
I. Asaph’s Faith (1)
Psalms 73:1 – Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
This Psalm was written by Asaph. From verse 1, we see that Asaph a firm believer.
He is connected with the writing of twelve other psalms and probably directed choral worship of God in the temple during the time of David.
Asaph knew all the history of what God has done for Israel and He believed it. He was a minister. He was “on stage.” He was one of the most well-known believers at that time in history.
If you were to see him leading worship at the temple, you would like never imagine some of the inner struggles he was facing that he revealed in this psalm.
II. Asaph’s Struggle (2-3) –
Although Asaph knew God and believed in God, he still had some doubts and moments of confusion. In fact, we will see the questions he had were so overwhelming and problematic for him that they nearly shipwrecked his faith. It is possible for even well-known and solid believers to have times of struggle in their faith. Asaph’s story can encourage all of us who, at times, face our own questions.
This is what he said about his spiritual crisis.
Psalms 73:2 – But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.
This gives us a glimpse at the struggles he was facing behind the scenes.
And it reminds us that real believers can have real doubts or struggles – Followers of God are not robots. We have real emotions. There are ups and downs in our spiritual lives. Sometimes our faith is stronger and sometimes it is weaker. There are times when we look at the world and have zero interest in worldly or material things compared to following after God. Other times those same things hold an attraction or allure for us. There are times of strength and times of weakness. There are times when we set our gaze directly on Jesus as we should and go straightforward without looking to the right or left. Other times, it isn’t so easy.
Application:
1. Knowing this, we should encourage other believers in their times of struggle or doubt rather than judge them. If a brother or sister comes to you struggling, show compassion, encouragement, and support. Rally around the person and try to help him through the tunnel to the light at the other side.
2. At the same time, we must realize that we too are weak sometimes. When we face those moments, we should get help. Like Asaph, prayer is a good first step. It doesn’t help to try to deny the feelings you are having. Instead you should seek to have these resolved in a correct way.
God never attacks the believers in Scripture who brought Him legitimate questions, even questions that came from confusion. God already knows what you are thinking. He can handle it. He will not be intimidated by your questions. Whatever questions you have, bring them sincerely to God in prayer. Search out the Scriptures for an answer. There are answers.
Note that Asaph only “came close” to falling and his feet “almost” slipped. When he brought his concerns to God, the Lord caught him, steadied him, and set him on his feet again. Asaph’s doubts did not completely overcome him and one likely reason is because he brought them to the Lord to seek answers.
This is what the Lord does for us when we come to Him.
Psalms 40:2 – He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
Verse 3
Psalms 73:3 – For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Asaph observed that many wicked people were doing quite well. There was a part of him that envied what they had. Their house, their riches, their flocks, and their horses were attractive to him.
Were Asaph’s feelings wrong? They were. The tenth commandment tells us, “Do not covet.”
Asaph was a person like we are. He had sinful and fleshly impulses. In this chapter, we see how he dealt with those. He did not let those impulses take over. He did not take action to fulfill those wrong desires. Rather he brought those to the Lord and sought to first solve those feelings and then subject them to God’s will.
Did you ever have any similar feelings to Asaph? Were you envious of others’ success? Did you look at your neighbor’s car, family, vacation, or home and covet them?
Do not allow these feelings to take hold. Instead, bring them to the Lord and “Take every thought captive” to Him.
Jeremiah had similar questions about why the wicked prosper.
Jeremiah 12:1-2 – Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart.
Job asked the same.
Job 21:7 – Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power?
III. Asaph’s Observations (4-12)
Asaph described in great detail the luxurious lives of the wicked.
Verse 4 – They were fat because they always had plenty to eat. That may not seem like such a big deal now when food is much more readily available than it was in those days. But in those days, there were not many fat people. Fatness was generally a sign of wealth as a person could afford to eat whatever they wanted. Asaph even says that their “eye bulges from fatness.” (7) What a vivid description!
Verse 4 – They have no pangs until death. Even their deaths are painless and easy.
Verse 5 – They are not in trouble as others are. Their lives were smooth and easy. They didn’t encounter many difficulties like others did. Everything seemed to bounce their way and they jumped from one success to another.
Verse 7 – The “imaginations of their heart run riot.” In other words, they get whatever they want. All of their hopes, dreams, and fantasies seem to come true.
Verse 10 – They have “waters of abundance.” And even their deaths are relatively painless (verse 4).
Was it really like this or was Asaph imagining things? It is probably a combination of both. Immoral people sometimes do prosper in the short term. Their sinful ethics allow them to extort others or cheat or lie for material gain. Corruption and exploitation swell their bank accounts. Often this type of behavior does result in worldly wealth.
At the same time, it is easy to see things in a way that reinforces what we already expect to see. If Asaph was struggling inside, he may have been prejudiced. This bias would tend to warp what he saw, magnifying the easy life of the wicked and the difficulties of the righteous. We too may look at others and think, “You have it so easy all the time,” when in fact, we may just be ignoring (or unaware of) things in their life that are not easy.
The wicked sinned with seeming impunity –
The sins of the wicked were evident. Asaph talks about their pride, violence, mockery, arrogance, rebellion, and evil words. Perhaps the worst of their sins is recorded in verse 9. They “have set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue parades through the earth.”
Verbally they mock God and speak out against Him. Without any fear of God or His divine judgment, their arrogance grows. Though they so openly laugh at God, yet they still grew more and more prosperous.
If Asaph was surprised at people’s bold speech against God 3000 years ago, he would be shocked today. Probably more than in any time period in history, people are speaking out against God.
For many, peaching atheism from the rooftops is a lucrative business. Richard Dawkins has sold over two million copies of a book bashing God in the most obscene terms. But God has not struck him down. He has a net worth of $135 million.
Another atheist, Seth MacFarlane, makes cartoons mocking Jesus. He has a net worth of around $150 million.
This type of situation confused Asaph. In concluding this section, he writes.
Psalms 73:12 – Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches.
IV. Asaph’s Search (13-17
Psalms 73:13 – All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.
What would you say to Asaph if he were here now? Asaph, at least for the moment, was focusing on material wealth and prosperity, which does not satisfy. He was thinking in lines of what he “could get” from his actions.
One time someone asked me, “If I believe in Jesus, what do I get?” He was wondering if following Jesus would help him get a better job, or make more money, or become rich. This is the same trap that the false teachers in the previous verses were falling into. Many people look at religion as a means of gaining wealth.
What do the godly gain?
1 Timothy 6:8 says that “godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Paul says that being godly does result in great gain, but that gain is not material.
• Good friends (Proverbs 27:17)
• Joy (John 15:11)
• Peace (John 14:27)
• Forgiveness (John 1:12)
• Eternal life (Matthew 25:46)
• Victory (Romans 8:37)
• Security (Proverbs 10:24)
• A clear conscience (Hebrews 13:18)
Money and materials do not bring contentment or happiness. These come from a proper relationship with God, nothing else. Anytime a person tries to shortcut or find their own way to happiness, it won’t work.
He searched without stumbling others
When Asaph felt like this, he kept it to himself.
Psalms 73:15 – If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
He restrained himself from mentioning his doubts out loud. He was afraid that his weak faith would affect other believers and even mislead the next generation. Asaph was a worship leader. He knew as a worship leader he had influence and he didn’t want to use that influence in the wrong way.
There is a time and a place to express doubts. Asaph practiced self-control and he would go to the right place to deal with his feelings, namely to the Lord.
He searched in the right place
Psalms 73:17 – Until I went into the sanctuary of God.
This phrase marks the turning point of this Psalm. Asaph was confused, upset, and frustrated. Thinking of this on his own only brought more questions. He couldn’t understand what he was seeing. Then he went to the sanctuary of God. Perhaps this was the temple or a place of worship or meditation. It is only after this point, when Asaph took his feelings to God, that he started to get answers and his attitude started to change.
Application
Go to the right source. The help we receive is only as good as the place we go to get it. If your car is broken down, don’t bring it to me if you want to get it fixed. Find an expert.
When you have deep and perplexing questions about life and morals, don’t go to the world for answers. You will only get worldly wisdom. Go directly to God. The process of seeking Him is rewarding.
Proverbs 25:2 – It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
If you look at a list of many of the world’s most wicked people, many were assassinated or died early deaths.
V. Asaph’s Conclusion (17b-20)
The answer Asaph received was simple. In verse 17 he says, “Then I perceived their end.” He goes on to say, “You set them in slippery places. You cast them down to destruction. They are destroyed in a moment… utterly swept away by sudden terrors! Like a dream when one awakens.”
Asaph received understanding only when he changed perspective. He realized that the wicked might prosper in the short term, but in the long-term, they will not. A picture snapshot of their life could look rosy, but if you fast forward to the end of the story you will see the truth.
To God, a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day. God exists outside of time. He will surely judge the wicked. He will surely deal with sin. But He will do it in His time.
Often, the wicked do face the consequences of their sins here on earth.
I was looking at a list of the top 15 most evil people of all time.
Six out of fifteen died premature deaths as a result of their sins coming back to bite them. One example includes the French revolutionary Robespierre. He had tens of thousands of people killed by the guillotine without trial. He himself was executed by the guillotine without trial at the young age of 36.
However, nine of these lived long lives and died of natural causes. But do not think that they escaped.
Eventually, sooner or later, the wicked will receive justice for the wrongs they have done. They will not take their riches with them after death. One day they will face God as the judge and have to give an account for everything he has done. The security that their riches seem to provide is short-lived.
While their lives seem to be smooth and easy, destruction comes upon them in a moment. Asaph’s description reminds us of Jesus’ parable about the rich fool, who did not know that he was about to die and all of the things so carefully stored up would avail him nothing. Money is but for a moment. Only a life built on the rock of Christ is safe and sound.
Application –
1. Revenge is mine says the Lord – Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Perhaps you have been or will be ill-treated by the wicked. You may wonder, “Why does nothing bad happen to them?” Trust in God’s plan and timing. Believe His Word that He will judge. Do not become embittered or angry. Patiently trust that God will fairly deal with each person.
2. Look at the end / long-term perspective – Asaph’s problem was a result of looking at the prosperity of these people and being envious. He wanted what they had. It was solved when he considered where their decisions would take them to judgment. Do not be envious of the people around you and what they have. One of the biggest problems in this world is that people have a short-term perspective. It is the age of instant gratification.
People want what they want and they want it now!
Here are some quotes that show the world’s mentality in focusing on now.
“Live Your Best Life Now” – Osteen
“The best preparation for the future is to live as if there were none.” – Einstein
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you will ever have” – Tolle
“You have to live for the moment” – Simone Elkeles
“The art of life is to live in the present moment” – Emmet Fox
Are these true or not? There is a kernel of truth in them. We are not to feel anxious about the future. We are to be content in the present and use our time well. However, wisdom considers the long-term results of how we live today.
Lately I have been reading the Proverbs and there are many reminders to consider the long-term consequences of one’s actions.
Let us lift up our eyes and consider the end result of our decisions today.
• Drinking – Proverbs 23:31-32 – Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.
• Sexual immorality – Proverbs 5:3-5 – For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps follow the path to Sheol.
• Ill-gotten gain – Proverbs 10:2 – Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
• Laziness – Proverbs 10:5 – He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
• Pursuing earthly riches – Matthew 6:19-20 – Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
• Worldly pursuits – Matthew 7:13 – Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
VI. Asaph’s Repentance (21-22)
Psalms 73:21-22 – When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.
Asaph confesses his ignorant attitude. He admits that his feelings got the best of him. He allowed his jealousy of the easy lives of the rich to cloud his thinking and he started raving like a beast without knowledge or understanding. In his frustration, he allowed his mind to get carried away and his thoughts did not glorify God. However, he still did take these to the Lord and received an answer. Finally, he repented.
Application: All of us may sometimes be like Asaph. At times we may allow our frustrations to warp our attitudes, even to the point of becoming embittered against God. Have you become upset with God? Have you become bitter about your life situation? Have you challenged God, even if only in your thoughts? If the answer to any of these is “yes,” then today you need to repent. Today you need to come to God and confess that He is God and you are not. Trust Him to do His job. Trust that He will set everything right. Lift up your eyes beyond the current difficult situation you face to the future hope we have in Christ and renew your faith in Him again.
VI. Asaph’s Commitment (23-28)
Psalms 73:23-28 – Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
Asaph recommits himself to the Lord. He has examined both sides of the case. He knows that wickedness may come with certain short-term benefits. But in the end the godly are the ones who will be rewarded. Therefore he once again resolves to throw in his lot with God. Instead of abandoning his faith and following after the world, Asaph’s faith crises ends up leading him to an even closer relationship with God.
This is what he said.
Psalms 73:25 – Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
Asaph has done a 180-degree turn. He was envious of the riches of the wicked. The things that were attractive to him are not attractive anymore. Now the only thing he wants is the Lord. He realizes that God alone satisfies.
This chapter gives us an inside look at Asaph’s spiritual journey.
- Asaph’s Faith (1)
- Asaph’s Struggle (2-3)
- Asaph’s Observations (4-12)
- Asaph’s Search (15-17)
- Asaph’s Conclusion (17b-20)
- Asaph’s Repentance (21-22)
- Asaph’s Commitment (23-28)
What we see is GROWTH and renewal. The Asaph at the beginning was not the same as the Asaph at the end.
Conclusion
In this passage, we see Asaph’s spiritual journey is a journey of renewal. At the beginning, his perspective is short-sighted. He was looking at things from a worldly point of view. He was focused on the here and the now. He valued tangible things like money.
When his perspective changed and he considered the long-term view he started to grow. His faith increased. His relationship with God became the priority.
Do you have the right perspective?
Take a moment and look around you. Which of the things around you will still be around in 100 years or 1000 years?
Every single thing you can see will fade away. It will not last. Your house, your stuff, even the nature outside your window (the trees and grass) will all fade away.
Isaiah 40:8 – The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
The spiritual things are unseen, but they will last. This world will fade away. We should invest in His kingdom because it will endure forever.
Psalms 90:10, 12 – The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Your perspective needs to be renewed. The wicked focus on the here and now. They want instant gratification. They want instant riches. But any prosperity they have is short-lived. God wants you to lift up your eyes and, like Asaph, look at the end result. Temptation appeals to our now. One way to have victory over temptation is perspective; take a step back and consider the long-term results of your actions.
As we close, ask God to renew your perspective. Ask Him to teach you to number your days. Commit yourself again to investing your time and energy in His kingdom, which does not fade, instead of this world which does.
Discussion Questions
- Are there any questions that you have struggled with in your spiritual journey? If so, did you find any answers? How?
- Read Jeremiah 12:1-2 – What is the answer to the question “why do the wicked prosper?”
- What are some specific ways we can renew our perspective?
- What lessons do you learn about God in this passage (see especially Psalm 73:23-28)
Thank you.