Psalms 73:12

KJV

Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, these are the ungodly {H7563}, who prosper {H7961} in the world {H5769}; they increase {H7685}{H8689)} in riches {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, this is what the wicked are like; those free of misfortune keep increasing their wealth.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth.

American Standard Version

Behold, these are the wicked; And, being alway at ease, they increase in riches.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 73:12 encapsulates the psalmist Asaph's profound spiritual crisis, as he observes the undeniable worldly success and burgeoning material wealth of those who live in open disregard for God. This verse serves as a stark and troubling summary of the ungodly's perceived ease and prosperity, directly challenging Asaph's deeply held understanding of divine justice and the inherent value of righteousness, thereby setting the stage for his subsequent wrestling with faith and eventual spiritual breakthrough.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 73 opens with Asaph's foundational declaration of God's goodness to the upright, yet immediately pivots to his personal struggle with envy and doubt. Verses 2-11 vividly describe the ungodly's arrogance, pride, and seemingly carefree existence, noting their physical health, lack of troubles, and open defiance of God. They speak boastfully, as if their words reach heaven, and appear to draw followers who "drink up waters in abundance" (v. 10), perhaps implying an uncritical acceptance of their worldview. This verse acts as a concise summation of these observations, stating the undeniable fact of their worldly prosperity and increasing riches, which intensifies Asaph's internal conflict before his pivotal shift in perspective when he enters [the sanctuary of God](/psalms/73-17 "Psalm 73:17 - Asaph's Turning Point").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, including those attributed to Asaph's guild of temple musicians, reflect the spiritual and social realities of ancient Israel. The concept of covenant blessings and curses, where obedience brought prosperity and disobedience brought hardship, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), was deeply ingrained in the Israelite worldview. The observation of the wicked prospering thus created a profound theological dilemma for a faithful Israelite. This tension was not unique to Asaph; it was a recurring theme in wisdom literature and prophetic writings, indicating a societal struggle to reconcile divine justice with empirical observation. The "world" (עוֹלָם, _ʻôwlâm_) here refers to the present age or earthly existence, contrasting with an eternal perspective.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to the psalm's exploration of several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **prosperity of the wicked**, a recurring biblical conundrum that challenges conventional notions of immediate divine retribution. This theme is powerfully echoed in other wisdom texts like [the Book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job") and the prophet Jeremiah's lament in [Jeremiah 12:1](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah 12:1 - Jeremiah Questions God's Justice"). Secondly, it underscores the **crisis of faith** that arises when perceived injustice clashes with theological conviction. Asaph's near stumble, described in [Psalm 73:2](/psalms/73-2 "Psalm 73:2 - Asaph's Feet Almost Slipped"), exemplifies the spiritual danger of focusing on outward appearances rather than God's ultimate plan. Thirdly, the verse implicitly contrasts **material wealth with true spiritual well-being**, setting the stage for the psalm's resolution where the psalmist discovers that true riches lie in an intimate relationship with God, rather than fleeting earthly possessions, as articulated in [Psalm 73:25-26](/psalms/73-25 "Psalm 73:25-26 - God as the Psalmist's Portion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ungodly (Hebrew, _râshâʻ_):** This term (רָשָׁע, H7563) denotes those who are morally wrong, actively bad, or guilty. It describes individuals who stand in opposition to God's law and character, often characterized by a lack of fear of God, injustice, and moral depravity. Their "ungodliness" is not merely a lack of piety but an active state of rebellion or disregard for divine standards, leading to their being condemned.
* **Prosper (Hebrew, _shâlêv_):** This word (שָׁלֵיו, H7961) conveys a sense of being tranquil, at ease, or experiencing security. It implies a life free from trouble, anxiety, or adversity, often accompanied by material blessing and peace. The psalmist's observation is not just that they possess wealth, but that they enjoy it without apparent consequence or disturbance, which exacerbates his perplexity and struggle.
* **Riches (Hebrew, _chayil_):** This word (חַיִל, H2428) primarily refers to a force or strength, but in this context, it specifically denotes material wealth, means, or substance. The phrase "increase in riches" emphasizes a continuous, growing accumulation of assets, suggesting not just momentary prosperity but sustained and expanding affluence, highlighting their substantial and increasing resources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, these [are] the ungodly":** The introductory "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) serves as an exclamatory marker, drawing immediate attention to a striking and troubling observation. The psalmist points directly to a specific group – "the ungodly" (הָרְשָׁעִים, _ha-r'sha'im_), those actively living in opposition to God's ways. This is a direct, undeniable statement of fact from Asaph's perspective, setting the stage for the perplexing reality he is about to describe.
* **"who prosper in the world":** This clause describes the outward manifestation of the ungodly's condition. They experience "shalvah" (שַׁלְוָה), a state of ease, security, and tranquility, specifically "in the world" (עוֹלָם, _ʻôwlâm_), meaning in this earthly life or present age. This prosperity is not spiritual but material and temporal, a visible success that stands in stark contrast to the expected consequences of ungodliness.
* **"they increase [in] riches":** This final clause intensifies the observation, indicating not just static prosperity but a dynamic, growing accumulation of wealth. The ungodly are not merely successful; their "riches" (חַיִל, _chayil_) are continually expanding. This ongoing increase makes their situation even more perplexing and frustrating for the psalmist, as it suggests an unchecked and unpunished trajectory of material gain.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 73:12 effectively employs **Observation** and **Juxtaposition**. The verse is a direct observation by the psalmist, presenting a perceived reality that fundamentally challenges his theological framework. This observation is then juxtaposed with the implied expectation of divine justice, where wickedness should lead to hardship, not prosperity. The use of "Behold" (הִנֵּה) functions as an **Exclamatory Marker**, drawing the reader into the psalmist's immediate, almost incredulous, recognition of this troubling truth. The entire psalm, and this verse within it, also exemplifies **Lament**, as it expresses a deep complaint and struggle with God's perceived inaction, a common feature in the Psalms where the worshiper pours out their heart to God amidst suffering or confusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 73:12 confronts a perennial theological dilemma: the apparent disconnect between righteousness and reward, and wickedness and punishment, in the present age. It challenges a simplistic understanding of divine justice that assumes immediate earthly prosperity for the righteous and immediate judgment for the wicked. This verse forces a deeper contemplation of God's timing, the nature of true blessing, and the ultimate destiny of all people. It highlights that worldly success is not necessarily an indicator of God's favor or an endorsement of one's lifestyle, nor is it the ultimate measure of a person's well-being or standing before God. The psalmist's struggle here is a universal human experience of grappling with the perceived inequities of life, pushing believers to look beyond temporal circumstances to an eternal perspective and God's sovereign plan.

* [Jeremiah 12:1](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah 12:1 - Jeremiah Questions God's Justice")
* [Job 21:7](/job/21-7 "Job 21:7 - Why Do the Wicked Live On?")
* [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord and Wait Patiently")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 73:12 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, reflecting the enduring temptation to measure spiritual truth by material outcomes. In a world that often equates success with wealth and influence, this verse cautions against allowing external appearances to dictate our faith or cause us to question God's goodness and justice. It encourages us to cultivate a robust spiritual discernment, recognizing that true prosperity is not found in accumulating earthly riches, which are fleeting, but in a deep and abiding relationship with God. When we observe the ungodly thriving, this verse calls us to resist envy, to anchor our hope in God's eternal promises, and to remember that God's ultimate judgment and vindication are certain, even if not immediately visible. Our focus should remain on seeking God's presence and finding our satisfaction in Him, regardless of our outward circumstances or those of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you personally react when you see those who disregard God experiencing apparent success and prosperity?**
* **In what ways might our culture's emphasis on material wealth challenge our understanding of true blessing and divine justice?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of an eternal perspective in navigating the perceived inequities of life?**

### FAQ
**Does "prosper in the world" mean God favors the ungodly?**

Answer: No, the psalmist's observation in [Psalm 73:12](/psalms/73-12 "Psalm 73:12 - The Prosperity of the Ungodly") does not imply God's favor. Rather, it highlights a perplexing reality that often challenges believers: that worldly success and material abundance are not exclusive indicators of divine blessing or righteousness. The psalm goes on to reveal that this prosperity is temporary and ultimately leads to destruction, as seen in [Psalm 73:18-19](/psalms/73-18 "Psalm 73:18-19 - The Sudden Downfall of the Wicked"). God's favor is ultimately shown through spiritual blessings, salvation, and eternal life, not necessarily through earthly wealth.

**Why does God allow the ungodly to prosper?**

Answer: The Bible offers several perspectives on why God allows the ungodly to prosper, a question that has troubled believers throughout history. Firstly, it may be part of God's common grace, where He "makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust," as taught in [Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God's Common Grace"). Secondly, it allows time for repentance, demonstrating God's patience and long-suffering, as explained in [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience for Repentance"). Thirdly, it serves to test the faith of the righteous, prompting them to trust in God's ultimate justice rather than immediate earthly rewards, as exemplified by Asaph's struggle in [Psalm 73:2-3](/psalms/73-2 "Psalm 73:2-3 - Asaph's Stumble"). Ultimately, the psalm reveals that their prosperity is fleeting and their end is destruction, emphasizing that true justice will prevail.

**How can I avoid envying the ungodly's prosperity?**

Answer: Avoiding envy of the ungodly's prosperity requires a profound shift in perspective, as powerfully demonstrated by Asaph in [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - God's Goodness to Israel"). Firstly, focus on God's goodness and His presence, recognizing that true satisfaction comes from Him alone, as Asaph concludes in [Psalm 73:25-26](/psalms/73-25 "Psalm 73:25-26 - God as My Portion"). Secondly, cultivate an eternal perspective, understanding that worldly success is temporary, while God's promises are eternal and His judgment is certain, as described in [Psalm 73:17-20](/psalms/73-17 "Psalm 73:17-20 - The End of the Wicked"). Thirdly, remember that God's justice is certain, even if delayed, and He will ultimately set all things right. Finally, seek spiritual riches and righteousness above material gain, as taught by Jesus in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 73:12, with its perplexing observation of the ungodly's prosperity, finds its ultimate resolution and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist grapples with the apparent injustice of the present world, Jesus Christ provides the definitive answer to the problem of suffering and unrighteous success. He Himself "had nowhere to lay his head," as recorded in [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus' Poverty"), embodying a radical counter-cultural model where true blessedness is not found in worldly riches or ease, but in spiritual poverty and profound dependence on God, as declared in [Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit"). Christ's life, death, and resurrection reveal that God's justice is not always immediate earthly retribution but is perfectly executed in the cross, where sin is judged, and in the resurrection, where righteousness is ultimately vindicated. The New Testament consistently warns against the deceitfulness of riches, as taught by Jesus in [Mark 4:19](/mark/4-19 "Mark 4:19 - The Deceitfulness of Riches"), and encourages believers to store up "treasures in heaven," where neither moth nor rust destroy, as commanded in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven"). Ultimately, Christ's kingdom is "not of this world," as He told Pilate in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"), and His followers are called to seek first His righteousness, trusting that all other things will be added, thereby transcending the psalmist's initial struggle with fleeting earthly appearances, as promised in [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 52:7

Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Psalms 62:10

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].

Jeremiah 12:1

¶ Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

Jeremiah 12:2

Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou [art] near in their mouth, and far from their reins.

Luke 16:19

¶ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

James 5:1

¶ Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].

James 5:3

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.