(NET) In this wisdom psalm the psalmist offers a personal testimony of his struggle with the age-old problem of the prosperity of the wicked. As he observed evil men prosper, he wondered if a godly lifestyle really pays off. In the midst of his discouragement, he reflected upon spiritual truths and realities. He was reminded that the prosperity of the wicked is only temporary. God will eventually vindicate his people.
1. Theme: v.2-3 (NET) As he began to question God’s justice, the psalmist came close to abandoning his faith.
2. The details for the wicked v.3-12, repeated: proud v.3 arrogance v.6 proudly v.8 they speak as if they rule in heaven and lay claim to the earth v.9
A. They are proud with reasons:
3b the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For they suffer no pain;
their bodies are strong and well fed.
5 They are immune to the trouble common to men;
they do not suffer as other men do.
Reflection: Ain't these what we also want? If we only look for these and nothing else, we miss something.
B. Their arrogance reach its high point in v.11
11 They say, “How does God know what we do?
Is the Most High aware of what goes on?”
Similar to v.7, v.11 points out the problem of arrogance. Their prosperity causes them to sin against God.
3. Details of the psalmist's contemplating of giving up faith v.13-16
13 I concluded, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure
and maintained a pure lifestyle
A pure lifestyle or a pure heart v.1 was kept because of his faith and they seems in vain.
4. The awakening v.17-26
A. The understanding of the short-life nature of the prosperity of the wicked.
repeated: slippery places, in a mere moment, like a dream v.18-20
B. The understanding of the bitterness, ignorance, senseless of the psalmist himself v.21-22 but God still guide him v.23-24, 26
Reflection: Do I realize the temporal nature of the problem? Do I realize my own foolishness? Those are the turning point of the psalmist's awakening.
Biblical Studies Press. (2019). The NET Bible (Second Edition, Ps 73:13). Thomas Nelson.
Biblical Studies Press. (2019). The NET Bible (Second Edition, Ps 73:11). Thomas Nelson.
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