18 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

Truly God is good to Israel,

To such as are pure in heart (Psalm 73:1)

Asaph was king David’s chief worship leader. He begins with a truth he knows intellectually—a kind of theological anchor. Despite what he will soon confess, he grounds himself in this statement: God is good, specifically to Israel and to the pure in heart.

"Pure in heart" reminds us of Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This is not sinless perfection but sincerity—a heart that desires God, undivided and loyal.

In times of confusion or disillusionment, always anchor yourself in what you know to be true about God's character. Begin with truth, not feelings.

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;

My steps had nearly slipped.

For I was envious of the boastful,

When I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 73:2-3)

He knew that God was good to Israel and to the pure in heart, but it also seemed that God was good to the boastful and to the wicked. It all seemed so unfair to Asaph, and thus made him almost stumble and slip.

Asaph saw the same troubling evidence that many see every day in their own life. Many people cannot deny that God is good to them, but it also seems that God is good–perhaps too good–to the boastful and the wicked. It is then easy to envy the wicked and their prosperity.

After all, one asks, what good is there in being good? If the wicked enjoy the same prosperity as the pure in heart, then what is the reward of godliness? How many of us have asked this question before? How many of us are frustrated that we don’t seem to have answers to this question?

For there are no pangs in their death,

But their strength is firm. (Psalm 73:4)

Have you seen people tell you, “Oh, what a peaceful death so and so had, and you surely know that this man was so wicked?”

Compare with Job 21:7–13 — the wicked live long, die in peace, and their children prosper. This observation deeply troubled Job as well. It’s easy to mistake present ease for eternal favour. Asaph is observing through earthly eyes, not eternal lenses.

They are not in trouble as other men,

Nor are they plagued like other men. (Psalm 73:5)

From Asaph’s perspective, the wicked seem immune to the normal afflictions of life. They don't face hardship, illness, or anxiety like others do.

In the ancient world, blessing was often equated with wealth and health. The wicked having both creates theological tension. If the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper, where is justice?

This ties into Malachi 3:15 — “Now we call the arrogant blessed; evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.”

If we don’t recalibrate our values to align with God's eternal truth, we’ll constantly be disillusioned by temporary appearances.

Therefore, pride serves as their necklace;

Violence covers them like a garment. (Psalm 73:6)

Their pride is not hidden—it’s displayed like jewellery. Their violence (or "wrongdoing" in Hebrew: hamas) is worn shamelessly, like a designer coat.

In contrast, God's people are called to wear humility (Colossians 3:12) and the armour of God (Ephesians 6:13–17).

What we wear spiritually reveals our allegiance. The wicked wear pride; the righteous must be clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27).

Their eyes bulge with abundance;

They have more than heart could wish. (Psalm 73:7)

They are so prosperous that their eyes seem swollen. They lust after more, and they seem to have it. Ecclesiastes 5:10 — “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money.”

The more the flesh gets, the more it craves. This verse is a warning about the insatiable nature of materialism. What you feed grows.

They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression;

They speak loftily. (Psalm 73:8)

They mock justice, mock the oppressed, and speak with arrogance. Their words are cruel, demeaning, and self-exalting. This reveals a spirit of antichrist—those who oppose God and His ways. James 2:6–7 — “Is it not the rich who oppress you… and blaspheme the noble name?”

Be cautious of those who use their position or influence to trample others. True greatness in the Kingdom is marked by humility and service (Mark 10:42–45).

They set their mouth against the heavens,

And their tongue walks through the earth. (Psalm 73:9)

What a powerful image—blasphemous speech reaching heaven, while their tongue strides arrogantly across the earth. They oppose God and still dominate worldly affairs. Consider the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11): “Let us build a tower that reaches to the heavens…” This is the same spirit—defiance toward God.

Also see Revelation 13:5–6 — “And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies… he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God.”

Speech reveals heart posture (Luke 6:45). The wicked boast now, but their words will be judged (Matthew 12:36). Every tongue that rises in judgment will be condemned (Isaiah 54:17).

Chapter 73