Bible Glide

Psalms 73

Psalms 73 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 73 begins with a hard question: why do the arrogant seem to prosper while the faithful suffer? The psalm traces that struggle honestly, then shows how worship and closeness to God bring new perspective and peace.

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What happens in Psalms 73?

Asaph admits that he nearly lost his footing when he envied the ease and wealth of the wicked. Their confidence, pride, and apparent lack of trouble made his own faithfulness feel pointless. The turning point comes when he enters God's sanctuary and sees that their success is temporary and their end is ruin. The psalm then moves from confusion to trust: God holds his hand, guides him, and will receive him in glory. The closing words confess that God alone is the psalmist's strength, portion, and refuge.

This psalm opens Book III of the Psalms and comes after a section that celebrated royal blessing and peace. Asaph speaks from personal struggle, but the message reaches beyond one life situation. Psalm 73 fits among the wisdom psalms by asking how God's people should think when justice seems delayed and the wicked seem to win.

Themes to notice

  • Envy and doubtThe psalmist is shaken by the apparent ease of people who ignore God.
  • God's perspectiveWorship helps him see that present prosperity is not the final word.
  • Trust and refugeHe ends by affirming that God alone gives lasting help, guidance, and safety.

Questions for Psalms 73

  • What part of the psalmist's struggle with the wicked feels most familiar to you?
  • How does entering God's sanctuary change the way he understands their success?
  • What do verses 23-28 teach about what it means to draw near to God?

Read the full text of Psalms 73 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 73

BOOK III

Surely God Is Good to Israel

A Psalm of Asaph.

1Surely God is good to Israel,

to those who are pure in heart.

2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;

my steps had nearly slipped.

3For I envied the arrogant

when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4They have no struggle in their death;

their bodies are well-fed.

5They are free of the burdens others carry;

they are not afflicted like other men.

6Therefore pride is their necklace;

a garment of violence covers them.

7From their prosperity proceeds iniquity;

the imaginations of their hearts run wild.

8They mock and speak with malice;

with arrogance they threaten oppression.

9They set their mouths against the heavens,

and their tongues strut across the earth.

10So their people return to this place

and drink up waters in abundance.

11The wicked say, “How can God know?

Does the Most High have knowledge?”

12Behold, these are the wicked—

always carefree as they increase their wealth.

13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure;

in innocence I have washed my hands.

14For I am afflicted all day long

and punished every morning.

15If I had said, “I will speak this way,”

then I would have betrayed Your children.

16When I tried to understand all this,

it was troublesome in my sight

17until I entered God’s sanctuary;

then I discerned their end.

18Surely You set them on slick ground;

You cast them down into ruin.

19How suddenly they are laid waste,

completely swept away by terrors!

20Like one waking from a dream,

so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.

21When my heart was grieved

and I was pierced within,

22I was senseless and ignorant;

I was a brute beast before You.

23Yet I am always with You;

You hold my right hand.

24You guide me with Your counsel,

and later receive me in glory.

25Whom have I in heaven but You?

And on earth I desire no one besides You.

26My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

27Those far from You will surely perish;

You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.

28But as for me, it is good to draw near to God.

I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,

that I may proclaim all Your works.

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