Psalms 73:12

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 73:12 captures a central tension that perplexed the psalmist Asaph, and often troubles believers today: the apparent success and abundance of those who seemingly disregard God. This verse highlights the observation that the ungodly not only thrive materially but also continually increase their wealth, seemingly without consequence.

Context

This verse is found in Psalm 73, a psalm of Asaph, which opens with a declaration of God's goodness to Israel but quickly pivots to the psalmist's personal struggle. Asaph confesses that his "feet were almost gone" (Psalm 73:2) because he envied the arrogant and saw the prosperity of the wicked. Verses 3-11 detail the luxurious, carefree lives of the ungodly, describing their pride, violence, and scoffing at God. Verse 12 serves as a stark summary of this observation, setting the stage for the psalmist's eventual breakthrough when he enters the sanctuary of God (Psalm 73:17).

Key Themes

  • The Prosperity of the Ungodly: The core observation is that those who do not fear God often experience worldly success, accumulating riches and living lives of ease. This challenges the conventional understanding of divine justice where righteousness is rewarded and wickedness punished.
  • Perceived Injustice: For Asaph, this observation led to a crisis of faith, questioning the value of his own purity if the wicked seemed to fare better. This theme resonates with other biblical passages that grapple with the same dilemma, such as Jeremiah 12:1.
  • Materialism vs. Spiritual Value: The verse implicitly contrasts worldly prosperity with true spiritual well-being. The "riches" spoken of are purely material, which the psalmist later understands to be fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying compared to fellowship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The term "ungodly" in Hebrew is rasha' (רָשָׁע), referring to those who are wicked, guilty, or unrighteous, standing in opposition to God's law and character. The word translated "prosper" here is related to shalvah (שַׁלְוָה), meaning security, tranquility, or undisturbed ease, emphasizing a life free from trouble and full of material blessing. This highlights the perceived lack of consequences for their actions, adding to the psalmist's confusion.

Practical Application

Psalm 73:12 offers a profound reflection for believers today. It acknowledges a common human struggle: the temptation to envy the success of those who live apart from God. This verse reminds us:

  • Don't Judge by Appearances: Worldly prosperity is not an indicator of God's favor or ultimate blessing. What appears to be success can be fleeting and ultimately lead to destruction (Psalm 73:18).
  • Trust God's Justice: While justice may seem delayed, God's ultimate judgment is certain. The psalmist finds peace only when he grasps the eternal perspective and the eventual downfall of the wicked.
  • Seek True Riches: The verse implicitly encourages us to focus on spiritual wealth and a relationship with God, which are eternal and truly satisfying, rather than transient material gain (Matthew 6:19-21).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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