Why do the wicked seem to prosper and the righteous suffer?
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| 1 ¶ <<A Psalm of
Asaph.>> Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. .3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
Truly
From 'ak. See on ps06201. It is
translated "surely" in v18.
God is good The conclusion. But as for me The psalmist begins to explain how he came to understand God's goodness. Envious ... prosperity Envy sets value standards on material possessions. |
| 4 For there are no bands in
their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. .7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. |
4
- Bands Or "sharp pains" or "remorse." This was what the psalmist
understood. Compare jb2113,
jb2123.
6 - Chain Rather "necklace" or "adornment." 7 - Eyes ... fatness Wealthy, satisfied is0610. 9 - Against the heavens Or "in the heavens." They were talking as if they were in the heavens. |
| 10 Therefore his people return
hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
.11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? .12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. 13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. 14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. |
11
- How does God know? See ps03311.
13 - Cleansed my heart in vain This is the attitude of the wicked at it pictures the preadvent judgment. See mal0314. |
| .15
¶ If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the
generation of thy children.
16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. .18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. 19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. 20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. |
17 - Into the sanctuary That is, he entered the temple to pray. Compare 2ki1914. Also the sanctuary is a system of truth explaining how God saves the righteous and destroys the wicked. ps07713. |
| 21 ¶ Thus my heart was
grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. .26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. |
21
- Heart was grieved By thinking God was unfair he was disturbed
and prejudiced.
21 - Reins See on ps00709. |
| 27 For, lo, they that are
far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring
from thee.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. |
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