Psalms 73:3

KJV

For I was envious at the foolish, [when] I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I was envious {H7065}{H8765)} at the foolish {H1984}{H8802)}, when I saw {H7200}{H8799)} the prosperity {H7965} of the wicked {H7563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

when I grew envious of the arrogant and saw how the wicked prosper.

Berean Standard Bible

For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

American Standard Version

For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 73:3 articulates the psalmist Asaph's profound spiritual crisis, revealing his candid confession of envy towards the wicked. He admits to a deep-seated resentment stemming from observing their apparent ease, security, and freedom from the troubles that often plague the righteous. This verse serves as the pivotal point where Asaph lays bare the core struggle of the entire psalm: the perplexing question of divine justice, challenging the traditional understanding of God's governance when the unrighteous seem to flourish while the faithful suffer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 73 is a wisdom psalm, a genre that often grapples with life's perplexing questions, particularly the problem of suffering and evil. It is the first psalm in Book Three of the Psalter (Psalms 73-89), attributed to Asaph, a prominent Levite and chief musician in David's time. The psalm begins with a foundational theological affirmation, "Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart," as stated in [Psalms 73:1](/psalms/73-1 "Psalm 73:1 - God's Goodness to Israel"), which immediately sets up the tension with Asaph's subsequent personal struggle. [Verse 2](/psalms/73-2 "Psalm 73:2 - Asaph's Near Fall") reveals his near fall from faith, stating, "But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped." [Verse 3](/psalms/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - Asaph's Envy of the Wicked") then provides the specific catalyst for this near-stumble: the observation of the wicked's prosperity. This verse initiates the psalmist's extended lament and theological wrestling, which continues until his perspective dramatically shifts upon entering "the sanctuary of God," as described in [Psalms 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalm 73:17 - The Sanctuary of God"), where he gains an eternal understanding of their ultimate doom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, there was a deeply ingrained theological understanding, often articulated in the Deuteronomic covenant, that obedience to God brought blessings (prosperity, health, security) and disobedience brought curses (suffering, famine, defeat). This framework made the observed prosperity of the wicked a profound theological dilemma. If God was just and sovereign, why did those who defied Him seemingly escape divine judgment and enjoy a life of ease? Asaph, as a Levite and leader of worship, would have been steeped in this covenant theology, making his personal crisis of faith particularly acute. His struggle reflects a common human experience that transcends time and culture, yet it is rooted in the specific covenantal worldview of ancient Israel, where material well-being was often seen as a direct indicator of divine favor. The "foolish" (wicked) in this context are not merely unintelligent but morally perverse, those who live as if God does not exist or does not hold them accountable.

* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 73:3](/psalms/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - Asaph's Envy of the Wicked") introduces several critical themes that resonate throughout the psalm and broader biblical literature. Firstly, it highlights **Envy and Doubt**, showcasing how comparing one's own struggles with the apparent ease of others can lead to profound spiritual disorientation and a questioning of God's fairness. This human tendency to judge by outward appearances is a central struggle. Secondly, the verse squarely addresses **The Problem of Evil (Theodicy)**, grappling with the age-old question of why a good and powerful God permits the wicked to prosper while the righteous suffer. Asaph's initial perspective is limited by his earthly viewpoint, failing to grasp the full scope of divine justice and eternal consequences. Thirdly, the psalm, beginning with this verse, underscores the danger of **Superficial Judgment**. The psalmist initially assesses "prosperity" based solely on material and temporal conditions, failing to discern the ultimate spiritual and eternal realities. This sets the stage for the psalm's resolution, where a shift in perspective from the temporal to the eternal provides the true answer to the problem of the wicked's apparent success, as seen later in the psalm's turning point in [Psalms 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalm 73:17 - The Turning Point").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Envious (Hebrew, _qânâʼ'_):** The Hebrew verb קָנָא (_qânâʼ'_) means "to be zealous," "to be jealous," or "to be envious." While it can carry a positive connotation (zeal for God, righteous jealousy), here it clearly denotes a negative, sinful envy. It describes a strong, often bitter, emotional response to another's perceived advantage, coupled with a desire for that advantage oneself or resentment that the other possesses it. Asaph's use of this word reveals the depth of his internal turmoil and the intensity of his covetousness for the wicked's seemingly untroubled life.
* **Foolish (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** The Hebrew term הוֹלְלִים (_holelim_), translated "foolish," derives from the root הָלַל (_hâlal'_), which means "to be clear," "to shine," "to make a show," "to boast," and thus "to be (clamorously) foolish" or "to rave." In this context, "the foolish" are not merely unintelligent but are morally perverse, arrogant, and defiantly impious. They are those who mock God, live as if there are no consequences for their actions, and are characterized by their spiritual blindness and rebellion. Their "foolishness" is a moral and theological state, not an intellectual one, reflecting a practical atheism or disregard for divine authority.
* **Prosperity (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (_shâlôwm'_), often translated "peace," encompasses a broader concept of "well-being," "welfare," "health," and "prosperity." It signifies a state of completeness, wholeness, and undisturbed well-being, free from anxiety, trouble, or hardship. While the KJV uses "prosperity," the underlying Hebrew term points to a comprehensive state of security and ease (often rendered as `shalwah`, a related term), which Asaph observed in the wicked. This perceived lack of consequence or suffering for their unrighteousness is what fueled his bitterness and doubt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I was envious at the foolish":** This clause serves as a raw and honest confession from the psalmist. It reveals his internal state of deep spiritual and emotional distress. The "for" (כִּי, _ki_) indicates that this envy is the direct reason or explanation for his near-stumble mentioned in the preceding verse. His focus is on "the foolish," those who live in open defiance of God, yet appear to be thriving.
* **"[when] I saw the prosperity":** This part specifies the catalyst for Asaph's envy. It was not a hypothetical thought but a direct observation ("I saw") of the tangible, outward manifestations of success and ease. The parenthetical "[when]" in the KJV clarifies that his envy was triggered by this specific visual evidence. His perception, however, is limited to what is seen, not what is truly known or eternally significant.
* **"of the wicked":** This phrase further identifies the recipients of the perceived prosperity. The "wicked" (רְשָׁעִים, _resha'im_) are those who are morally corrupt, unjust, and hostile to God's ways. The psalmist's struggle intensifies because it is precisely these individuals, who are antithetical to God's character and covenant, who seem to be enjoying the very blessings that the righteous often lack. This stark contrast between their apparent ease and his own struggles becomes the central tension of the psalm.

#### Literary Devices
[Psalms 73:3](/psalms/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - Asaph's Envy of the Wicked") employs several powerful literary devices to convey Asaph's profound spiritual struggle. The verse opens with a stark **Confession**, as the psalmist lays bare his inner turmoil and sinful envy, establishing a tone of raw honesty that invites the reader into his personal wrestling match with faith. This direct admission is crucial for the psalm's redemptive arc. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the psalmist's own struggles (implied from the preceding verses) and the observed "prosperity of the wicked," highlighting the perceived injustice that fuels his doubt. This contrast sets up the central theological problem of the psalm. Furthermore, the psalmist's initial perception of "prosperity" can be seen as a form of **Irony**, as later in the psalm, this apparent ease is revealed to be a precarious and ultimately destructive path. The "prosperity" is superficial and fleeting, a stark contrast to the true, eternal well-being found in God. The psalmist's intense emotional state also suggests an element of **Hyperbole** in his initial assessment; while the wicked may indeed experience temporal success, his envy likely magnifies their ease and minimizes his own blessings, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in perspective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Psalms 73:3](/psalms/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - Asaph's Envy of the Wicked") serves as a foundational text for understanding the human struggle with envy and the problem of evil. It validates the honest expression of doubt and frustration when faced with apparent injustice in the world. Theologically, it challenges a simplistic understanding of divine retribution, prompting a deeper exploration of God's justice that extends beyond immediate temporal consequences. It underscores the danger of judging God's character based solely on outward appearances or material circumstances, reminding believers that true prosperity is not always visible to the naked eye. The psalmist's journey from envy to understanding foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on eternal perspective over temporal gain, and the call to trust God's ultimate justice despite present discrepancies. This verse sets the stage for the psalm's profound resolution, which reveals that the wicked's prosperity is fleeting and leads to ultimate destruction, while the righteous, though they may suffer, have an enduring inheritance in God.

* [Proverbs 23:17](/proverbs/23-17 "Proverbs 23:17 - Do Not Envy Sinners")
* [Jeremiah 12:1](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah 12:1 - Jeremiah's Complaint")
* [Psalm 37:1](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1 - Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Psalms 73:3](/psalms/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - Asaph's Envy of the Wicked") offers profound relevance for believers today, acknowledging that feelings of envy and doubt in the face of perceived injustice are natural human experiences. It validates the honesty of confessing such struggles to God, rather than suppressing them. However, it also serves as a crucial warning against allowing these feelings to fester and derail one's faith. In a world often obsessed with outward success and material wealth, this verse reminds us that true well-being is not measured by worldly standards or the absence of trouble. It challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and trust in God's ultimate plan and perfect justice, even when circumstances seem to contradict it. Our focus should not be on comparing our lot with others, especially those who disregard God, but on cultivating a deeper relationship with Him, which alone provides true security and lasting peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself susceptible to envy when observing others' apparent "prosperity"?**
* **How does comparing your journey with others' perceived success impact your faith and contentment?**
* **What are some ways to shift your focus from outward appearances to an eternal perspective, especially when facing injustice?**
* **How can acknowledging your feelings of envy or doubt, as Asaph did, strengthen your relationship with God rather than weaken it?**

### FAQ
**What does "the foolish" mean in this context?**

Answer: In [Psalms 73:3](/psalms/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - Asaph's Envy of the Wicked"), "the foolish" (Hebrew: _holelim_) refers to more than just a lack of intelligence. It describes those who are morally perverse, arrogant, and defiantly impious towards God. They are individuals who live as if God does not exist, or as if His commands and consequences are irrelevant. They are characterized by their spiritual blindness and rebellion, often boasting in their self-sufficiency and disregard for divine authority. This is a moral and theological "foolishness," not merely an intellectual one, and it is contrasted with the "pure in heart" mentioned in [Psalms 73:1](/psalms/73-1 "Psalm 73:1 - God's Goodness to Israel").

**How does Psalm 73 address the problem of the wicked's prosperity?**

Answer: Psalm 73, starting with the problem articulated in [verse 3](/psalms/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - Asaph's Envy of the Wicked"), resolves the dilemma of the wicked's prosperity by shifting the psalmist's perspective from the temporal to the eternal. The turning point occurs when Asaph enters "the sanctuary of God" as described in [Psalms 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalm 73:17 - The Sanctuary of God"), where he gains insight into the ultimate end of the wicked. He realizes that their prosperity is fleeting and that they are on a slippery slope to destruction, while the righteous, despite their present struggles, have an eternal inheritance and an unbroken relationship with God. The psalm concludes by affirming that true good is found in drawing near to God, not in worldly success, as articulated in [Psalms 73:28](/psalms/73-28 "Psalm 73:28 - Drawing Near to God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Psalms 73:3](/psalms/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - Asaph's Envy of the Wicked"), with Asaph's struggle against envy at the prosperity of the wicked, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Asaph's initial perspective is limited to temporal observations, but Christ's life, death, and resurrection provide the definitive answer to the problem of suffering and injustice. Jesus, though "rich, yet for your sakes he became poor" as detailed in [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches"), perfectly embodied righteousness while enduring immense suffering and apparent defeat on the cross. He was the ultimate "righteous sufferer," yet His "prosperity" was not of this world, as He declared, "My kingdom is not of this world" in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"). The true "foolishness" is to reject Christ, for "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" according to [1 Corinthians 3:19](/1_corinthians/3-19 "1 Corinthians 3:19 - Worldly Wisdom is Foolishness"). In Christ, believers are called to fix their eyes not on the fleeting "prosperity" of the wicked, but on "Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross" as exhorted in [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus"). His resurrection guarantees the ultimate triumph of righteousness and the eternal judgment of evil, providing the perfect solace for Asaph's lament. Through faith in Him, believers receive an imperishable inheritance, a "glory that is to be revealed" as promised in [Romans 8:18](/romans/8-18 "Romans 8:18 - Future Glory"), far surpassing any temporal gain, and are assured that "in the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" as declared in [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World").

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

Job 21:7

¶ Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?

Psalms 37:7

¶ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

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?

Proverbs 23:17

¶ Let not thine heart envy sinners: but [be thou] in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

Psalms 37:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

Proverbs 24:1

¶ Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

James 4:5

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?