Psalms 73:12-13
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "always at ease" isn't just about them being comfortable; it highlights a crucial element of their prosperity: their lack of struggle. This lack of hardship, more than just their wealth, is what makes their situation so perplexing and tempting for the psalmist.
The psalmist, Asaph, is wrestling with a profound spiritual crisis. He's observing the wicked living lives of apparent ease and prosperity, increasing in wealth while he, who strives to be righteous, feels afflicted and chastised. This observation has led him to question God's justice and involvement in the world, nearly causing him to abandon his faith.
Ever notice how some people who seem to disregard God's ways appear to have it all? This verse captures that very frustration.
The psalmist, Asaph, is grappling with a profound spiritual crisis. He looks at the wicked around him and sees a stark contrast to his own life and the lives of other faithful people.
Always at Ease
The phrase 'always at ease' highlights a striking observation: the wicked aren't typically plagued by the same anxieties, struggles, or physical ailments that often afflict those who follow God. They seem to move through life with a smoothness and lack of disturbance that is hard to explain.
Increasing Riches
This ease isn't just about comfort; it's coupled with material success. 'They increase in riches' points to their accumulating wealth and prosperity. This isn't a fringe benefit; it's a defining characteristic of their lives as the psalmist observes them. It’s this combination of peace and plenty that fuels his doubt.
This verse isn't just a description; it's the heart of a spiritual battle. What happens when the world's 'success' looks better than faithfulness?
This verse is where the psalmist, Asaph, lays bare the core of his temptation. He’s not just observing; he’s wrestling with a deep-seated doubt that threatens his faith.
The Dilemma
Asaph sees the wicked thriving – free from typical human suffering and accumulating wealth. This prosperity appears to be the opposite of what he expects from a just God. It leads him to question God’s awareness and even His power to govern the world justly.
The Danger to Faith
When the external markers of success (ease, riches) seem to align with wickedness, it creates a powerful temptation to believe that faithfulness to God is either foolish or ineffective. Asaph is on the verge of concluding that his own devotion has been in vain, a thought that could lead him away from God entirely.
Understand the original words
rasha' · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Those who act in moral rebellion against God's law. They are characterized by a lack of fear of God and a lifestyle that disregards His righteousness.
lebab · Hebrew Noun
The inward center of human life, encompassing the intellect, emotions, will, and conscience. It is the place where God evaluates the true nature of a person.
naqiy · Hebrew Noun
Moral purity or uprightness; the quality of being free from guilt or wrongdoing, often associated with outward conduct reflecting inward integrity.
This passage directly parallels the psalmist's confusion, as Jeremiah questions God's justice concerning the prosperity of the wicked.
Job 21:7-15Job's friends wrestle with the same issue, describing the prosperity of the wicked and Job's own bewilderment and questioning of God's justice.
Habakkuk 1:1-4Habakkuk cries out to God, perplexed by the injustice he sees, specifically the prevalence of wickedness and the lack of righteousness.
Psalm 37:1-2This psalm addresses the same temptation of envying the wicked's prosperity, but offers a contrasting perspective that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous.
jfbPsalms 73:12: "Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches."
- prosper in the word—literally, "secure for ever."
poolePsalms 73:12: "Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches."
These are the ungodly; this is their condition and carriage in it. These seem to be the words of the psalmist, summing up the matter, and preparing his passage to the other part of the Psalm.
The phrase "always at ease" isn't just about them being comfortable; it highlights a crucial element of their prosperity: their lack of struggle. This lack of hardship, more than just their wealth, is what makes their situation so perplexing and tempting for the psalmist.
The psalmist, Asaph, is wrestling with a profound spiritual crisis. He's observing the wicked living lives of apparent ease and prosperity, increasing in wealth while he, who strives to be righteous, feels afflicted and chastised. This observation has led him to question God's justice and involvement in the world, nearly causing him to abandon his faith.
The psalmist, Asaph, is wrestling with a profound spiritual crisis. He's observing the wicked living lives of apparent ease and prosperity, increasing in wealth while he, who strives to be righteous, feels afflicted and chastised. This observation has led him to question God's justice and involvement in the world, nearly causing him to abandon his faith.
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"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." — The phrase "always at ease" isn't just about them being comfortable; it highlights a crucial element of their prosperity: their lack of struggle. This lack of hardship, more than just their wealth, i…
