Welcome to Day 2662 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Day 2662 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 73:1-12 – Daily Wisdom
Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2662
Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2662 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
Today’s Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Stumbling Block of Prosperity – A Trek Through Psalm 73:1-12
Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I’m your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and Today, we begin a deeply honest and challenging trek through Psalm 73 in the New Living Translation, starting with its opening verses, 1 through 12.
Psalm 73 is penned by Asaph, one of the chief musicians and seers appointed by King David. Unlike many psalms that begin with an immediate cry for help or a declaration of praise, Psalm 73 opens with a profound struggle, a crisis of faith that many of us can intimately relate to. Asaph grapples with one of life’s most perplexing mysteries: why do the wicked often prosper, seemingly enjoying an easy life, while the righteous suffer?
This question has troubled believers in every generation. In the ancient Israelite worldview, there was a strong emphasis on divine justice being dispensed in this life. Obedience to God was expected to bring blessing and prosperity, while wickedness would lead to suffering and misfortune. So, when a faithful servant like Asaph observed the opposite – the ungodly thriving without apparent consequence – it created a serious spiritual dilemma, shaking the very foundations of his faith.
Let’s immerse ourselves in Asaph’s raw honesty as he confronts this agonizing truth and nearly loses his footing on the path of faith.
(Reads Psalm 73:1-3 NLT)
Truly God is good to Israel— to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost slipped; my feet were nearly gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
Guthrie Chamberlain: Asaph begins with a declaration that is simultaneously an affirmation and a struggle: “Truly God is good to Israel—to those whose hearts are pure.” On the surface, this sounds like a statement of unwavering faith. It’s a theological truth, a bedrock conviction for an Israelite. God is inherently good, and His goodness is particularly directed towards His covenant people, especially those whose hearts are “pure” or upright. This purity isn’t sinless perfection, but sincere devotion and integrity of intention towards God.
However, the “But as for me” immediately introduces a stark contrast, revealing Asaph’s personal crisis: “But as for me, I almost slipped; my feet were nearly gone.” This is powerful imagery. Imagine walking on a treacherous path, perhaps a slippery incline or a narrow ledge. One false step, one moment of distraction, and you could fall completely, losing all your progress, perhaps even your life. Asaph’s faith was on the brink of collapse, his spiritual footing was unstable. He was close to abandoning his trust in God altogether.
The reason for this near spiritual collapse is explicit: “For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.” This is the core of his struggle. He didn’t just observe; he “envied.” Envy is a dangerous emotion, leading to discontent and questioning of God’s justice. The “proud” (Hebrew: hollelim) are arrogant, scoffing, defiant individuals who often boast in their own strength and reject God. What truly disturbed Asaph was not just their prosperity, but that they prospered despite their wickedness. This challenged the very notion of a just and righteous God who rewards good and punishes evil.
In the ancient Israelite worldview, prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine blessing, and suffering as a sign of divine displeasure. So, when the wicked flourished, it directly contradicted this understanding, creating a theological crisis. Asaph was wrestling with the apparent unfairness of life, a feeling that still plagues many faithful people today.
Now, Asaph delves into a detailed and vivid description of this unsettling prosperity of the wicked, showcasing why his faith was so severely tested.
(Reads Psalm 73:4-12 NLT)
They suffer no pain; their bodies are plump and healthy. They don’t have troubles like other people; they are not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a necklace, and violence clothes them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with greed; their evil imaginations know no limits. They scoff and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten violence. They boast against the heavens and swagger through the earth. So the people are dismayed and turn to them and eagerly drink in their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease in wealth that continues to grow.
Guthrie Chamberlain: Asaph paints a disturbing picture of the wicked’s outwardly idyllic existence, highlighting the contrast with the typical struggles of humanity: “They suffer no pain; their bodies are plump and healthy. They don’t have troubles like other people; they are not plagued with problems like everyone else.” This describes a life free from suffering, illness, and the common hardships that afflict most people. “Plump and healthy” in that agrarian society was a sign of abundance and good living, especially contrasted with the lean, often struggling lives of the majority. The wicked seem to float above the fray, untouched by the common woes of humanity. They appear immune to the consequences that others face.
Their prosperity fuels their arrogance and self-indulgence: “They wear pride like a necklace, and violence clothes them like a garment.” This is powerful metaphorical language. A necklace is worn openly, a visible display of status or adornment. So too, their pride is flaunted openly, a conspicuous part of their identity. It’s not hidden but worn with confidence. And “violence clothes them like a garment” implies that violence is not an occasional act for them, but a pervasive characteristic, something they are wrapped in, an integral part of their very being and public persona. This means their outward prosperity is often acquired through exploitation and oppression, yet they suffer no ill effects.
Their inner depravity is also exposed: “Their eyes bulge with greed; their evil imaginations know no limits.” Their greed is so immense it physically distorts them, bulging from their very eyes. Their minds are constantly churning with “evil imaginations,” wicked schemes and malicious plans that know no bounds. This is a chilling depiction of unbridled covetousness and unrestrained wickedness in their thoughts and desires.
This internal corruption manifests in their speech and behavior: “They scoff and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten violence.” Their communication is characterized by scoffing – mocking those who believe in God or adhere to moral principles. They speak with “malice,” intending harm with their words, perhaps spreading lies or tearing others down. And their “arrogance” leads them to openly “threaten violence,” showing contempt for laws and justice, confident in their ability to intimidate and dominate others without repercussion.
Their contempt for God knows no bounds: “They boast against the heavens and swagger through the earth.” To “boast against the heavens” means to defy God Himself, to speak arrogantly against divine authority and providence. They essentially challenge God’s existence or His ability to intervene. And they “swagger through the earth” – they walk with an arrogant, self-assured gait, as if they own the world and are accountable to no one. They are completely uninhibited by any fear of divine judgment or earthly consequence.
The most perplexing part for Asaph is the response of seemingly ordinary people to this audacious wickedness: “So the people are dismayed and turn to them and eagerly drink in their words.” This is the true crisis. Instead of being repulsed by the wicked, many people are “dismayed” – perhaps by the seeming injustice of God allowing the wicked to flourish – and then, shockingly, they “turn to them.” They are drawn to the wicked’s power and apparent success, and they “eagerly drink in their words,” adopting their cynical philosophy.
This widespread acceptance or even admiration of the wicked leads to the terrifying questions that undermine faith: “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” These are rhetorical questions, expressing profound doubt and skepticism about God’s omniscience, His justice, and His active involvement in human affairs. If the wicked prosper so effortlessly, then surely God either doesn’t know, doesn’t care, or isn’t powerful enough to intervene. This is the very conclusion Asaph himself was close to embracing, and it highlights the corrosive effect of seeing unpunished evil thrive.
Asaph then summarizes his agonizing observation, reinforcing the reality that had almost made him stumble: “Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease in wealth that continues to grow.” This reiterates the core problem: the wicked live a life of comfort and prosperity, and their wealth isn’t stagnant; it is “continues to grow,” suggesting an endless upward trajectory of success, completely unhindered by any divine or moral consequence.
Psalm 73:1-12 is a raw, honest confession of a spiritual crisis. It acknowledges the profound temptation to question God’s goodness and justice when the wicked prosper. Asaph’s struggle is a universal human experience, forcing us to confront the deceptive appearances of worldly success and the challenge to our faith when faced with apparent unfairness.
What profound wisdom can we draw from these opening verses for our Wisdom-Trek today?
Firstly, it validates the experience of spiritual doubt and envy when we see the wicked flourish. Asaph, a godly leader, almost stumbled. It reminds us that such struggles are normal, not a sign of weak faith, but an invitation to honest lament and deeper wrestling with God.
Secondly, it exposes the deceptive nature of worldly prosperity when it’s divorced from righteousness. The wicked may appear healthy and untroubled, but their inner reality is pride, greed, and violence. Their ease is superficial and fleeting.
Thirdly, it highlights the corrosive effect of such observations on others’ faith. When we see unpunished wickedness, it can lead to cynicism about God’s involvement and knowledge. This challenges us to seek deeper understanding beyond superficial appearances.
Finally, Asaph’s honesty sets the stage for a profound spiritual breakthrough. By articulating his struggle so candidly, he prepares himself, and us, to receive the divine perspective that will ultimately resolve his crisis and restore his footing.
Let us acknowledge our own struggles with the apparent unfairness of life, and like Asaph, let us be honest before God, trusting that He has a deeper truth to reveal, even when our feet nearly slip.
Guthrie Chamberlain: Thank you for joining me on this honest trek through the opening verses of Psalm 73. I trust that this exploration of a crisis of faith has resonated with your own journey and encouraged you to bring your deepest questions to God. Join me again next time as we continue to seek and apply the timeless truths of God’s Word.
Reflect…
If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.
Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.
As we take this Trek together, let us always:
- Live Abundantly (Fully)
- Love Unconditionally
- Listen Intentionally
- Learn Continuously
- Lend to others Generously
- Lead with Integrity
- Leave a Living Legacy Each Day
I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!
Transcript
Welcome to Day 2662 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
Day 2662 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 73:1-12 – Daily Wisdom
Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2662
Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2662 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
Today’s Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Stumbling Block of Prosperity - A Trek Through Psalm 73:1-12
Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I’m your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and Today, we begin a deeply honest and challenging trek through Psalm 73 in the New Living Translation, starting with its opening verses, 1 through 12.
Psalm 73 is penned by Asaph, one of the chief musicians and seers appointed by King David. Unlike many psalms that begin with an immediate cry for help or a declaration of praise, Psalm 73 opens with a profound struggle, a crisis of faith that many of us can intimately relate to. Asaph grapples with one of life’s most perplexing mysteries: why do the wicked often prosper, seemingly enjoying an easy life, while the righteous suffer?
This question has troubled believers in every generation. In the ancient Israelite worldview, there was a strong emphasis on divine justice being dispensed in this life. Obedience to God was expected to bring blessing and prosperity, while wickedness would lead to suffering and misfortune. So, when a faithful servant like Asaph observed the opposite – the ungodly thriving without apparent consequence – it created a serious spiritual dilemma, shaking the very foundations of his faith.
Let’s immerse ourselves in Asaph’s raw honesty as he confronts this agonizing truth and nearly loses his footing on the path of faith.
(Reads Psalm 73:1-3 NLT)
Truly God is good to Israel— to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost slipped; my feet were nearly gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
Guthrie Chamberlain: Asaph begins with a declaration that is simultaneously an affirmation and a struggle: “Truly God is good to Israel—to those whose hearts are pure.” On the surface, this sounds like a statement of unwavering faith. It’s a theological truth, a bedrock conviction for an Israelite. God is inherently good, and His goodness is particularly directed towards His covenant people, especially those whose hearts are “pure” or upright. This purity isn’t sinless perfection, but sincere devotion and integrity of intention towards God.
However, the “But as for me” immediately introduces a stark contrast, revealing Asaph’s personal crisis: “But as for me, I almost slipped; my feet were nearly gone.” This is powerful imagery. Imagine walking on a treacherous path, perhaps a slippery incline or a narrow ledge. One false step, one moment of distraction, and you could fall completely, losing all your progress, perhaps even your life. Asaph’s faith was on the brink of collapse, his spiritual footing was unstable. He was close to abandoning his trust in God altogether.
The reason for this near spiritual collapse is explicit: “For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.” This is the core of his struggle. He didn’t just observe; he “envied.” Envy is a dangerous emotion, leading to discontent and questioning of God’s justice. The “proud” (Hebrew: hollelim) are arrogant, scoffing, defiant individuals who often boast in their own strength and reject God. What truly disturbed Asaph was not just their prosperity, but that they prospered despite their wickedness. This challenged the very notion of a just and righteous God who rewards good and punishes evil.
In the ancient Israelite worldview, prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine blessing, and suffering as a sign of divine displeasure. So, when the wicked flourished, it directly contradicted this understanding, creating a theological crisis. Asaph was wrestling with the apparent unfairness of life, a feeling that still plagues many faithful people today.
Now, Asaph delves into a detailed and vivid description of this unsettling prosperity of the wicked, showcasing why his faith was so severely tested.
(Reads Psalm 73:4-12 NLT)
They suffer no pain; their bodies are plump and healthy. They don’t have troubles like other people; they are not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a necklace, and violence clothes them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with greed; their evil imaginations know no limits. They scoff and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten violence. They boast against the heavens and swagger through the earth. So the people are dismayed and turn to them and eagerly drink in their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease in wealth that continues to grow.
Guthrie Chamberlain: Asaph paints a disturbing picture of the wicked’s outwardly idyllic existence, highlighting the contrast with the typical struggles of humanity: “They suffer no pain; their bodies are plump and healthy. They don’t have troubles like other people; they are not plagued with problems like everyone else.” This describes a life free from suffering, illness, and the common hardships that afflict most people. “Plump and healthy” in that agrarian society was a sign of abundance and good living, especially contrasted with the lean, often struggling lives of the majority. The wicked seem to float above the fray, untouched by the common woes of humanity. They appear immune to the consequences that others face.
Their prosperity fuels their arrogance and self-indulgence: “They wear pride like a necklace, and violence clothes them like a garment.” This is powerful metaphorical language. A necklace is worn openly, a visible display of status or adornment. So too, their pride is flaunted openly, a conspicuous part of their identity. It’s not hidden but worn with confidence. And “violence clothes them like a garment” implies that violence is not an occasional act for them, but a pervasive characteristic, something they are wrapped in, an integral part of their very being and public persona. This means their outward prosperity is often acquired through exploitation and oppression, yet they suffer no ill effects.
Their inner depravity is also exposed: “Their eyes bulge with greed; their evil imaginations know no limits.” Their greed is so immense it physically distorts them, bulging from their very eyes. Their minds are constantly churning with “evil imaginations,” wicked schemes and malicious plans that know no bounds. This is a chilling depiction of unbridled covetousness and unrestrained wickedness in their thoughts and desires.
This internal corruption manifests in their speech and behavior: “They scoff and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten violence.” Their communication is characterized by scoffing – mocking those who believe in God or adhere to moral principles. They speak with “malice,” intending harm with their words, perhaps spreading lies or tearing others down. And their “arrogance” leads them to openly “threaten violence,” showing contempt for laws and justice, confident in their ability to intimidate and dominate others without repercussion.
Their contempt for God knows no bounds: “They boast against the heavens and swagger through the earth.” To “boast against the heavens” means to defy God Himself, to speak arrogantly against divine authority and providence. They essentially challenge God’s existence or His ability to intervene. And they “swagger through the earth” – they walk with an arrogant, self-assured gait, as if they own the world and are accountable to no one. They are completely uninhibited by any fear of divine judgment or earthly consequence.
The most perplexing part for Asaph is the response of seemingly ordinary people to this audacious wickedness: “So the people are dismayed and turn to them and eagerly drink in their words.” This is the true crisis. Instead of being repulsed by the wicked, many people are “dismayed” – perhaps by the seeming injustice of God allowing the wicked to flourish – and then, shockingly, they “turn to them.” They are drawn to the wicked’s power and apparent success, and they “eagerly drink in their words,” adopting their cynical philosophy.
This widespread acceptance or even admiration of the wicked leads to the terrifying questions that undermine faith: “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” These are rhetorical questions, expressing profound doubt and skepticism about God’s omniscience, His justice, and His active involvement in human affairs. If the wicked prosper so effortlessly, then surely God either doesn’t know, doesn’t care, or isn’t powerful enough to intervene. This is the very conclusion Asaph himself was close to embracing, and it highlights the corrosive effect of seeing unpunished evil thrive.
Asaph then summarizes his agonizing observation, reinforcing the reality that had almost made him stumble: “Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease in wealth that continues to grow.” This reiterates the core problem: the wicked live a life of comfort and prosperity, and their wealth isn’t stagnant; it is “continues to grow,” suggesting an endless upward trajectory of success, completely unhindered by any divine or moral consequence.
Psalm 73:1-12 is a raw, honest confession of a spiritual crisis. It acknowledges the profound temptation to question God’s goodness and justice when the wicked prosper. Asaph’s struggle is a universal human experience, forcing us to confront the deceptive appearances of worldly success and the challenge to our faith when faced with apparent unfairness.
What profound wisdom can we draw from these opening verses for our Wisdom-Trek today?
Firstly, it validates the experience of spiritual doubt and envy when we see the wicked flourish. Asaph, a godly leader, almost stumbled. It reminds us that such struggles are normal, not a sign of weak faith, but an invitation to honest lament and deeper wrestling with God.
Secondly, it exposes the deceptive nature of worldly prosperity when it’s divorced from righteousness. The wicked may appear healthy and untroubled, but their inner reality is pride, greed, and violence. Their ease is superficial and fleeting.
Thirdly, it highlights the corrosive effect of such observations on others’ faith. When we see unpunished wickedness, it can lead to cynicism about God’s involvement and knowledge. This challenges us to seek deeper understanding beyond superficial appearances.
Finally, Asaph’s honesty sets the stage for a profound spiritual breakthrough. By articulating his struggle so candidly, he prepares himself, and us, to receive the divine perspective that will ultimately resolve his crisis and restore his footing.
Let us acknowledge our own struggles with the apparent unfairness of life, and like Asaph, let us be honest before God, trusting that He has a deeper truth to reveal, even when our feet nearly slip.
Guthrie Chamberlain: Thank you for joining me on this honest trek through the opening verses of Psalm 73. I trust that this exploration of a crisis of faith has resonated with your own journey and encouraged you to bring your deepest questions to God. Join me again next time as we continue to seek and apply the timeless truths of God’s Word.
Reflect…
If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.
Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.
As we take this Trek together, let us always:
Live Abundantly (Fully)
Love Unconditionally
Listen Intentionally
Learn Continuously
Lend to others Generously
Lead with Integrity
Leave a Living Legacy Each Day
I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!
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