But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist uses the vivid imagery of nearly slipping and falling to confess how close he came to abandoning his faith entirely. This isn't just about a minor stumble; it's about his core confidence in God's justice being so shaken that he almost turned away from his commitment to righteousness.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist, Asaph, begins by declaring God's goodness to the faithful, but immediately pivots to his own internal struggle. He confesses that observing the seemingly unchecked prosperity of the wicked nearly caused him to abandon his faith and stray from the righteous path. This deeply personal account sets the stage for his wrestling with the apparent injustice of God's dealings in the world.
Have you ever seen bad things happen to good people and wondered if God really cared? The Psalmist Asaph felt this deeply, almost losing his grip on everything he believed.
Asaph, a man of faith, found himself on the brink of spiritual collapse. He confesses, 'my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.' This wasn't just a minor wobble; it was a near total loss of confidence.
The Brink of Despair
Imagine walking on a slick, icy surface. One wrong move, and you're down. Asaph uses this powerful image to describe his near spiritual downfall.
The imagery of stumbling feet and slipping steps is incredibly vivid. It paints a picture of profound instability and weakness.
Ask a follow-up
Unstable Ground
Understand the original words
qānāʾ · Hebrew Verb
To show jealousy or resentment toward another's success or status. In a biblical context, it often refers to a sinful discontentment with God's providential distribution of blessings.
hōlēl · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who act with hubris or boastful pride, specifically in defiance of God. They are characterized by a self-sufficient attitude that rejects divine authority.
šālōm · Hebrew Noun
The state of being successful, flourishing, or having peace in worldly affairs. It often serves as a point of contention when observed in those who disregard God's law.
rāšāʿ · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who violate God's moral order. It refers to individuals who live in habitual, unrepentant opposition to divine justice and righteousness.
This passage mirrors the psalmist's confusion, questioning why the wicked prosper and often seem free from the usual hardships of life.
Jeremiah 12:1Jeremiah expresses a similar struggle with doubt, asking 'Why does the way of the wicked prosper?' when they seem so secure, highlighting the perennial human wrestling with the fairness of divine justice.
Romans 1:21-23This New Testament passage describes a similar spiritual blindness where people, despite knowing God, have not honored Him, reflecting a state of spiritual instability that can lead to doubt about God's active involvement in the world.
1 Corinthians 10:12Paul directly warns believers, 'Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall,' a clear echo of the psalmist's near-fall and the instability he felt.
Galatians 5:4This verse speaks of falling away from grace, which resonates with the psalmist's feeling that his faith was almost overthrown and he was on the verge of abandoning his spiritual path.
clarkePsalms 73:2: "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped."
My feet were almost gone - I had nearly given up my confidence. I was ready to find fault with the dispensations of providence; and thought the Judge of all the earth did not do right.
bensonPsalms 73:2: "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped."
Psalm 73:2-3 . But as for me — Yet I must acknowledge with grief and shame, concerning myself, that notwithstanding all my knowledge of this truth, and my own experience and observation of God’s dealings with me and other good men; my feet were almost gone — My faith in God’s promises and providence was almost overthrown by the force of temptation; and I was almost ready to repent of my piety, Psalm 73:13 ,…
The psalmist uses the vivid imagery of nearly slipping and falling to confess how close he came to abandoning his faith entirely. This isn't just about a minor stumble; it's about his core confidence in God's justice being so shaken that he almost turned away from his commitment to righteousness.
The psalmist, Asaph, begins by declaring God's goodness to the faithful, but immediately pivots to his own internal struggle. He confesses that observing the seemingly unchecked prosperity of the wicked nearly caused him to abandon his faith and stray from the righteous path. This deeply personal account sets the stage for his wrestling with the apparent injustice of God's dealings in the world.
The psalmist, Asaph, begins by declaring God's goodness to the faithful, but immediately pivots to his own internal struggle. He confesses that observing the seemingly unchecked prosperity of the wicked nearly caused him to abandon his faith and stray from the righteous path. This deeply personal account sets the stage for his wrestling with the apparent injustice of God's dealings in the world.
"But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." — The psalmist uses the vivid imagery of nearly slipping and falling to confess how close he came to abandoning his faith entirely. This isn't just about a minor stumble; it's about his core confidence…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026