Our hearts should not be puffed up in anything, because when we begin to envy the prosperity of the wicked, our hearts will also fail before God. If you do not turn from that path in time, then, just as the wicked falls into the abyss, you too will fall.
This warning is very relevant for every believer, because envy often enters subtly into the heart. It does not appear suddenly as an open rebellion, but rather as a quiet comparison between what we have and what others possess. When we look at the apparent success of those who do not fear God, our faith can weaken if we are not firmly grounded in the truth of His word.
The destiny of the evil man is because this being always exalts himself and humiliates others, and his thoughts continually go to evil. But those with a pure heart will be blessed and will be right before the Lord, and their feet will not slip.
The Bible repeatedly teaches us that pride precedes destruction. The wicked may appear strong, secure, and prosperous, but their foundation is unstable. Their confidence rests on temporary things that cannot sustain them in times of judgment or spiritual trial. In contrast, the one who walks in humility before God has a firm foundation, even when circumstances seem difficult.
This psalm is by Asaph, an author who presents the judgment that can come to the wicked man and those who follow in his footsteps.
Asaph’s testimony is especially powerful because he speaks honestly about his own struggle. Throughout Psalm 73, he describes how his feet almost slipped when he saw the prosperity of the arrogant. This shows us that even faithful servants of God can experience moments of doubt, but the difference lies in where they ultimately turn for understanding.
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
Psalm 73:1
In this writing, Asaph makes a statement about how good God is and His great kindness to the people of Israel and to those with a pure heart. The Lord actively displays His kindness to His people.
This opening declaration sets the tone for the entire psalm. Before addressing his internal struggle, Asaph establishes an unshakable truth: God is good. This truth does not depend on circumstances, human success, or material prosperity. God’s goodness is constant, and it is especially evident in His relationship with those who seek Him with sincerity.
As servants of the Lord, we must always keep in mind that our God loves people with pure hearts and blesses those who keep His word in their hearts. But all those wicked who prosper and do harm will soon face judgment and be consumed.
The purity of heart mentioned here does not refer to perfection, but to sincerity and devotion. A pure heart is one that desires God above all else, that repents when it falls, and that seeks to live according to His will. Such a heart finds favor before the Lord, not because of merit, but because of grace.
Asaph eventually understands the true end of the wicked when he enters the sanctuary of God. There, his perspective changes. He realizes that the prosperity of the ungodly is fleeting and that their apparent security will suddenly vanish. This realization brings peace to his soul and restores his confidence in God’s justice.
Turn your eyes away from the riches of the wicked, turn your heart away from the great prosperity of those who are conceited, because their path will not last long, because God is certainly good to us.
This exhortation is a call to spiritual discipline. We must guard our eyes and our hearts, choosing to focus on eternal promises rather than temporary gain. When we fix our gaze on God’s faithfulness, envy loses its power, and our hearts remain steadfast.
Let us remember that true prosperity is not measured by wealth or status, but by our relationship with God. Those who trust in Him, even in times of hardship, possess a treasure that cannot be taken away. In the end, God Himself is the portion of the righteous, and His goodness will sustain them forever.