Longman suggests that in addition to the wisdom as expressed in Psalm 1, there is another “strain of wisdom thought [which] deals with the more sceptical side of life and faith.” He mentions “Job [who] wrestles with the difficult issue of the suffering of an apparently righteous man, and Ecclesiastes [which] deals with the doubt of a wise man gone bad.” He then talks of “the psalmist who composed Psalm 73 [who] echoes momentarily this doubting strain when he questions God about the wicked who ‘have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.’ (v. 4)” (see references # 1)
The Psalms were originally intended to be read aloud in worship, to be memorized, to be prayed and even to be sung. All good things to do, but I have discovered that to enter into the meaning of the psalms, it is helpful sometimes to write out my own understanding of the psalm. And that is what I have done with this psalm. This is not a new translation, but my understanding, sometimes using direct quotes, but mainly my own words, of what the psalmist, Asaph, was struggling with. Hopefully it will be helpful to you as well.
Psalm 73
Simply titled, “A Psalm of Asaph”.
My paraphrase:
“There really is no doubt about it, God is good, that’s who he is, and because his nature is goodness, he is always good to his people in all his ways, good to those who by the grace of God at work in their lives have a pure heart.
So, why didn’t I believe it? How did I nearly miss seeing his goodness? I guess because my experience seemed to tell me different and I was looking in the wrong direction – at people instead of God.
Believe me when I tell you that I really had slipped badly as regards this truth, had almost fallen over the cliff, spiritually that is. You see, I had come to a place of actually being jealous and envious of those who arrogantly go around in all their prosperity, while denying God and acting in wicked ways.
How could it be? Well, this is how it appeared to me: the wicked seemed to have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore they are incredibly proud and show it; forcing their wills on others, even violently. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; there appears no limits to just how evil their imaginations can be. They scoff, and speak with malice; arrogantly they threaten to oppress those who stand in their way. They boast as if they were gods and owned everything, as if even the heavens and the earth belonged to them. And so their followers are many, people who acquiesce to all their ways and drink in everything they say, living off their evil profits. They even speak against God, denying that he knows what is going on, and for that matter, even cares!
Pretty grim situation! But as far as I could see, that was the story concerning the wicked, always carefree, getting more and more powerful, rich and oppressive.
No wonder it got to me! In fact, I confess, I had almost thrown in the towel. My mind was full of negative thoughts. Things like, ‘what’s the use of keeping my heart pure, of keeping my hands clean? What good has it done me? All day long I am afflicted, and then every morning brings, what seems to be, new punishments, more suffering’. I felt desperate. How much more could I handle?
I almost gave in. I almost opened my mouth and said things that I would have regretted for the rest of my life. Things that would have been a stumbling block in the paths of others of your people. Thank God, I didn’t.
But, I was just so confused, so perplexed about all this. I just couldn’t understand it, as much as I tried. The more I thought about it, the more it troubled me deep down inside of my being.
Until, that day! That life changing day, that day when it all became clearer to me. That day when my eyes were opened. That day when I went into the sanctuary of God, into God’s holy presence. Then I knew. Then I saw things from His perspective. I saw God’s big picture. I finally understood in a way I had never understood before. I had been so blind. I then understood their final destiny! That is, the destiny of the wicked!
How did I miss it? I realised that it was them that are the ones on slippery ground, sliding to their own eventual ruin. Suddenly, before they know it, destruction will come; they will be all swept away as in a flood of terror. Those, who seemed to me like a nightmare, like any dream will be gone forever, judged by the God they despised.
How stupid of me to have missed this! My heart was just so upset and full of grief, I was so full of myself! And then the bitterness followed that began to consume me. I know now that I was like a senseless and ignorant beast before you. And I’m so very sorry!
No matter what my life’s situation, or what is happening amongst those around me, I now know, I am always with you, and you will never leave me nor forsake me; you, like the good Father you are, hold my hand as we walk along together, and you always have. You guide me along the path of life, giving me good advice and teaching me your ways; and as for my future, it’s all good – even in your presence for ever more. What glory! My heart is now full of joy and I realise, who have I in heaven but you? And this old earth has nothing worth desiring in comparison to you. Even if my body grows weak and my bones get brittle, you, my God, my Rock, are the strength of my heart and my portion, my rich inheritance, forever.
So, thank you God, I have now come back to my senses. I know now that those who are far from you will perish; to go their own way and be unfaithful to you will only result in judgement. But, as for me, it is so very good to be near you because you are good, and that is enough!
I have made the Sovereign Lord, my refuge (in every struggle and storm and trial that comes my way); and my plan is that next time I do open my mouth it will be to tell of all the wonderful deeds of my God and to remind everyone who will hear, that God is good!”
A pretty amazing psalm! I wonder if you can identify with Asaph’s dilemma?
Tehilim (Psalms) - "songs of praise". 