Proverbs 23:17-18
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD. For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.The Struggle with Envy
Asaph begins by acknowledging his envy of the arrogant and the prosperity of the wicked. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 73:3). This sets the stage for his internal conflict.

The Illusion of Prosperity
The psalmist describes the seemingly carefree lives of the wicked, noting their health, wealth, and lack of troubles. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong (Psalm 73:4). This perception challenges his understanding of God's justice.

The Turning Point
Asaph's perspective shifts when he enters the sanctuary of God. Until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end (Psalm 73:17). This encounter with God provides clarity and understanding of the ultimate fate of the wicked.

The Eternal Perspective
The psalmist realizes that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting, and their end is destruction. Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin (Psalm 73:18). This eternal perspective brings peace to Asaph's troubled heart.

God as Our Portion
Asaph concludes with a declaration of faith, recognizing God as his ultimate treasure. Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You (Psalm 73:25). This profound statement underscores the sufficiency of God in the believer's life.Guard Against Envy
Recognize and confess feelings of envy when they arise. Focus on the eternal riches found in Christ rather than temporary worldly success.

Seek God's Presence
Regularly enter into God's presence through prayer, worship, and Scripture reading to gain clarity and perspective on life's challenges.

Trust in God's Justice
Rest in the assurance that God is just and will ultimately right all wrongs, even when it seems the wicked prosper.

Value Eternal Treasures
Cultivate a heart that treasures God above all else, finding contentment and joy in His presence and promises.1. Asaph
The author of the psalm, Asaph is a prominent figure in the Bible, known as one of David's chief musicians. In Psalm 73, he expresses his struggle with understanding the prosperity of the wicked and his journey to finding solace in God's justice.

2. The Wicked
Although not named individually, the wicked are described throughout the psalm. They are characterized by their arrogance, prosperity, and disregard for God. Asaph initially envies them for their apparent success and lack of troubles.

3. The Righteous
Again, not named individually, the righteous are implied in contrast to the wicked. Asaph ultimately identifies himself with the righteous, those who remain faithful to God despite the apparent success of the wicked.

4. God
Central to the psalm, God is portrayed as the ultimate judge and source of true understanding. Asaph's turning point comes when he enters the sanctuary of God and gains insight into the fate of the wicked and the security of the righteous.

In the original Hebrew, the term for "wicked" is "רְשָׁעִים" (resha'im), and for "righteous," it is "צַדִּיקִים" (tzaddikim). These terms highlight the moral and ethical distinctions that are central to the psalm's message.1. Sanctuary of God
This is a pivotal "place" in the psalm where Asaph finds understanding and clarity. In Psalm 73:17, it states, "until I entered the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end." The Hebrew word for "sanctuary" is מִקְדָּשׁ (miqdash), which refers to a holy place or temple. This represents a spiritual turning point for Asaph, where he gains insight into the ultimate fate of the wicked.

2. Slippery Places
In Psalm 73:18, it says, "Surely You set them on slippery ground; You cast them down to ruin." The Hebrew word used here is חֲלָקוֹת (chalakot), meaning smooth or slippery places. This metaphorical place signifies the precarious and unstable position of the wicked, despite their apparent success.1. Asaph's Initial Confession of Faith
Asaph begins with a declaration of God's goodness to Israel, specifically to those who are pure in heart.
^"Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart."^ (Psalm 73:1)

2. Asaph's Personal Struggle
He admits his own struggle and near slipping due to envying the prosperity of the wicked.
^"But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped."^ (Psalm 73:2)

3. Observation of the Wicked's Prosperity
Asaph describes the apparent ease and success of the wicked, noting their freedom from common human burdens.
^"For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."^ (Psalm 73:3)

4. The Arrogance and Pride of the Wicked
He details their pride and violence, and how they speak with malice and oppression.
^"Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them."^ (Psalm 73:6)

5. The Wicked's Blasphemy and Self-Sufficiency
The wicked question God's knowledge and live as if they are self-sufficient.
^"They say, 'How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?'"^ (Psalm 73:11)

6. Asaph's Moment of Doubt
Asaph questions the value of his own righteousness and purity, feeling as if his efforts are in vain.
^"Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands."^ (Psalm 73:13)

7. Turning Point in the Sanctuary
The turning point comes when Asaph enters the sanctuary of God and gains a new perspective on the fate of the wicked.
^"When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end."^ (Psalm 73:16-17)

8. Realization of the Wicked's Fate
He realizes that the wicked are on slippery ground and will ultimately face destruction.
^"Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin."^ (Psalm 73:18)

9. Asaph's Repentance and Renewed Faith
Asaph acknowledges his own ignorance and renews his trust in God, recognizing God's continual presence and guidance.
^"Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand."^ (Psalm 73:23)

10. Affirmation of God's Sufficiency
He concludes with a declaration of God's sufficiency and his desire for nothing on earth besides God.
^"Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You."^ (Psalm 73:25)

11. Final Declaration of Trust
Asaph ends with a reaffirmation of his trust in God and the goodness of drawing near to Him.
^"But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works."^ (Psalm 73:28)1. The Goodness of God to the Pure in Heart
Psalm 73 begins with a declaration of God's goodness: "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart" (Psalm 73:1). The Hebrew word for "pure" (בַּר, bar) implies cleanliness or innocence, emphasizing the moral and spiritual integrity required to experience God's goodness.

2. The Struggle with Envy and Doubt
The psalmist confesses his struggle with envy toward the wicked: "But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 73:2-3). This highlights the internal conflict between faith and the apparent success of those who do not follow God.

3. The Prosperity of the Wicked
The psalmist describes the seemingly carefree lives of the wicked: "They have no struggles in their death; their bodies are well-fed" (Psalm 73:4). The Hebrew word for "struggles" (חֲבָלִים, ḥăḇālîm) can also mean "pains" or "sorrows," indicating a life free from the common troubles faced by others.

4. The Arrogance and Pride of the Wicked
The psalmist observes the pride and arrogance of the wicked: "Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them" (Psalm 73:6). The imagery of a "necklace" (עֲנָק, ʿănāq) suggests that pride is an adornment, something they wear openly and proudly.

5. The Questioning of God's Justice
The psalmist questions the justice of God in light of the prosperity of the wicked: "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" (Psalm 73:11). This reflects a common human struggle with understanding divine justice and omniscience.

6. The Turning Point in the Sanctuary
A pivotal moment occurs when the psalmist enters the sanctuary of God: "When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight until I entered the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end" (Psalm 73:16-17). The Hebrew word for "sanctuary" (מִקְדָּשׁ, miqdāš) refers to a holy place, symbolizing a return to divine perspective.

7. The Ultimate Fate of the Wicked
The psalmist realizes the ultimate fate of the wicked: "Surely You set them on slippery ground; You cast them down to ruin" (Psalm 73:18). The imagery of "slippery ground" (חֲלָקוֹת, ḥălāqôt) contrasts with the earlier metaphor of the psalmist's own near-slipping, emphasizing the precariousness of the wicked's position.

8. The Realization of Personal Folly
The psalmist acknowledges his own folly and ignorance: "When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You" (Psalm 73:21-22). The Hebrew word for "brute beast" (בְּהֵמָה, bəhēmāh) underscores the psalmist's recognition of his irrational and instinctive response to his doubts.

9. The Assurance of God's Presence and Guidance
The psalmist finds comfort in God's continual presence: "Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory" (Psalm 73:23-24). The assurance of divine guidance and eventual glory provides a stark contrast to the temporary prosperity of the wicked.

10. The Declaration of God's Sufficiency
The psalmist concludes with a declaration of God's sufficiency: "Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You" (Psalm 73:25). This statement reflects a deep, personal relationship with God, where He is the ultimate source of fulfillment and desire.

11. The Contrast Between the Wicked and the Righteous
The psalm ends by contrasting the fate of the wicked with the security of the righteous: "Those far from You will perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, it is good to draw near to God" (Psalm 73:27-28). The Hebrew word for "draw near" (קָרַב, qārab) implies an intimate approach, highlighting the psalmist's commitment to a close relationship with God.1. The Struggle with Envy and Injustice
The psalmist begins by expressing his struggle with envy towards the prosperity of the wicked. He observes that the wicked seem to live without troubles and are often wealthy, which causes him to question the justice of God. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew word "קִנְאָה" (qin'ah), meaning envy or jealousy, as seen in verses like Psalm 73:3: "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."

2. The Apparent Prosperity of the Wicked
The psalmist describes how the wicked appear to live carefree lives, free from the burdens that afflict others. This theme is captured in verses such as Psalm 73:4-5: "They have no struggles in their death; their bodies are well-fed. They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men."

3. The Temptation to Doubt God's Goodness
The psalmist admits to being tempted to doubt God's goodness and justice due to the prosperity of the wicked. This is reflected in Psalm 73:13: "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands."

4. The Turning Point in the Sanctuary of God
A pivotal moment occurs when the psalmist enters the sanctuary of God and gains a new perspective on the fate of the wicked. This theme is highlighted in Psalm 73:17: "until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end."

5. The Ultimate Justice of God
The psalmist realizes that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary and that God will ultimately bring justice. This is expressed in Psalm 73:18-19: "Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!"

6. The Assurance of God's Presence
The psalmist finds comfort in the assurance of God's continual presence and guidance. This theme is evident in Psalm 73:23-24: "Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory."

7. The Supremacy of God as the Psalmist's Portion
The psalmist concludes by affirming that God is his ultimate desire and portion, surpassing all earthly wealth and success. This is captured in Psalm 73:25-26: "Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

8. The Contrast Between the Wicked and the Righteous
The psalm ends with a contrast between the fate of the wicked and the security of those who are faithful to God. This is summarized in Psalm 73:27-28: "Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You. But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works."1. Psalm 73:3 says the wicked prosper, yet other passages (e.g., Psalm 1:3) promise prosperity for the righteous—how do we reconcile this contradiction?

2. Psalm 73:12 implies the wicked live untroubled lives—does this conflict with historical records of corrupt nations eventually falling apart?

3. Psalm 73:17 suggests divine insight in a sanctuary setting—what evidence supports or refutes the historicity of supernatural experiences in the Temple?

4. Psalm 73:27 proclaims God will destroy the unfaithful—how does this align with the New Testament emphasis on love and redemption?

5. If Asaph authored Psalm 73, as tradition claims, where is the archaeological or historical evidence confirming his existence and literary contributions?

1. What feelings do you experience when you see the prosperity of those who do not follow a righteous path?

2. How does Asaph's journey from doubt to faith resonate with your personal experiences?

3. In what ways do you seek understanding when faced with apparent injustices?

4. How does Psalm 73 challenge the belief that good is always rewarded and evil is always punished in this life?

5. How does entering God's sanctuary transform Asaph's perspective?

6. What does the psalm suggest about the consequences of leading a life disconnected from God?

7. How does Asaph's renewed understanding of God's divine justice affect his sense of self and purpose?

8. What does Psalm 73 teach about the importance of community in fostering understanding and reaffirming faith?

9. How does the concept of divine justice in Psalm 73 apply to contemporary social issues?

10. How can Psalm 73 help you maintain faith during difficult times?

11. What steps can you take to draw nearer to God during periods of doubt and despair?

12. How does the concept of divine justice provide comfort in the face of seeming worldly injustices?

13. How can the lesson of Asaph’s bitterness and subsequent enlightenment guide you in your current life situation?

14. In what ways can the realization that the wicked’s prosperity is temporary influence your attitude toward worldly success?

15. How might you apply the teaching of God’s unwavering guidance and faithfulness to your daily life?

16. How does Psalm 73 deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty?

17. How can the message of Psalm 73 aid you in navigating feelings of envy or resentment?

18. How does the conclusion of Psalm 73, regarding closeness to God as the ultimate good, resonate with your personal belief system?

19. Can Psalm 73 provide guidance on how to respond to those who prosper despite unethical behavior?

20. How can the message of God's ultimate justice influence your approach to societal injustices in your community?