What is the meaning of Psalm 73:8? They mock Psalm 73:8 opens with “They mock.” Mockery is deliberate scorn. • God takes mockery seriously (Psalm 1:1, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers”). • Mockers forget that every careless word will be judged (Matthew 12:36). • The wicked in Asaph’s day sneered at righteousness just as scoffers do in the last days (2 Peter 3:3). The verse shows that when hearts drift from God, ridicule of holy things follows. and speak with malice Next, “and speak with malice.” Malice is intentional evil in speech. • Paul urges believers to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and malice” (Ephesians 4:31). • Malicious talk reveals a heart problem (Luke 6:45). • Asaph hears words like those in Psalm 10:7, “His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence.” The line reminds us that ungodly speech flows from ungodly hearts and wounds those who listen. with arrogance The phrase “with arrogance” describes the attitude behind their words. • Pride precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18), yet these people boast. • God declares, “I will put an end to the arrogance of the proud” (Isaiah 13:11). • James 4:6 warns, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Arrogance blinds the wicked to the coming judgment that Asaph knows is certain. they threaten oppression Finally, “they threaten oppression.” Their pride spills into action. • Micah 2:1-2 depicts similar people who “devise iniquity and work evil on their beds… they oppress.” • Jeremiah 22:17 rebukes those whose eyes and heart are set on “dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood and on oppression.” • Psalm 10:8-10 shows the wicked lurking “to seize the helpless.” Threats of oppression reveal a willingness to wield power unjustly, confirming that sin is never merely verbal; it moves from lips to deeds. summary Psalm 73:8 exposes a downward spiral: scoffing tongues, malicious words, proud hearts, and oppressive threats. The verse catalogs the traits of the ungodly so God’s people can recognize sin’s progression, avoid its trap, and trust the Lord to judge justly. |
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