Psalms 73:15

¶ If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children.

If I say {H559}{H8804)}, I will speak {H5608}{H8762)} thus {H3644}; behold, I should offend {H898}{H8804)} against the generation {H1755} of thy children {H1121}.

If I had said, "I will talk like them,"I would have betrayed a generation of your children.

If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.

If I had said, I will speak thus; Behold, I had dealt treacherously with the generation of thy children.

Context

Psalm 73 is a profound reflection by Asaph, a chief musician and seer in King David’s time, on a common spiritual struggle: the apparent prosperity of the wicked compared to the suffering of the righteous. Asaph openly confesses his envy and doubt, admitting his feet had almost slipped as he observed the arrogant triumphing without consequence (see Psalms 73:2-3). He wrestled intensely with God's justice, questioning if his own pursuit of purity was in vain. Verse 15 marks a critical turning point in his internal monologue. Here, Asaph contemplates voicing his bitter thoughts and frustrations publicly but immediately recoils from the idea, recognizing the potential harm it would cause.

Key Themes

  • The Weight of Our Words: Asaph realizes that expressing his unrefined doubts and criticisms of God's ways would not only be unhelpful but actively damaging. It highlights the significant impact our speech has, especially among fellow believers.
  • Responsibility to the Community of Faith: The phrase "the generation of thy children" refers to God's people, the faithful community. Asaph understands his duty to protect and not cause others to stumble in their faith, particularly those who might be less mature or struggling themselves. This resonates with the New Testament concept of not being a stumbling block to weaker brethren.
  • Discretion in Doubt: While internal wrestling with faith questions is natural and even necessary, Asaph demonstrates wisdom in discerning when and how to articulate those doubts. Some struggles are best processed privately or with trusted, mature spiritual mentors, rather than broadcast to those who might be easily discouraged.
  • Protecting the Innocent: Asaph's concern is specifically for "the generation of thy children," implying a tender regard for those who are seeking to follow God sincerely and might be vulnerable to despair if they heard such questioning from a respected leader.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "offend" in this verse translates the Hebrew word bagad (בגד), which can mean "to deal treacherously," "to betray," or "to violate a covenant." It's a strong word, implying a significant act of unfaithfulness or causing grievous harm. Asaph sees that publicly speaking his doubts would be tantamount to a betrayal of the faith community, potentially leading them astray or causing them to doubt God's faithfulness themselves. It's far more than just causing annoyance; it implies a spiritual stumbling block that could lead to spiritual harm or even defection.

Practical Application

Asaph's moment of self-correction offers valuable lessons for believers today. It teaches us the importance of processing our doubts and frustrations before God in prayer and private reflection, rather than immediately airing them in ways that could undermine the faith of others. While honest dialogue about struggles is vital for spiritual growth, discernment is key. We are called to build up one another with our words, not tear down. This verse encourages us to consider the impact of our speech on the spiritual well-being of the broader Christian family, particularly new believers or those in fragile seasons of faith. Asaph ultimately finds his clarity and peace in God's sanctuary (Psalms 73:17), reminding us where true answers and stability are found.

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.

  • Matthew 18:6

    But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

  • Matthew 18:7

    Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

  • Malachi 2:8

    But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

  • Psalms 22:30

    A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

  • Romans 14:21

    [It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

  • Psalms 14:5

    There were they in great fear: for God [is] in the generation of the righteous.

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