Psalms 73:1 says, A Psalm of Asaph. This is identified as a psalm of Asaph, then verse one says, Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. Asaph said that it was true that God was good to those in Israel who were pure of heart. Verse two adds, But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. Asaph said that he was still almost tempted to stray away from God, because those who did were seemingly being more prosperous. We as followers of Christ may look around at the those who do not believe in or follow God's will growing rich and be tempted to follow what they say and do instead of following God's word and will for our life. Verse three continues, For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Asaph said he was envious of the foolish, those who did not follow God, because they, the wicked, prospered. We as Christians should never be envious of the prosperity of the wicked, because the wealth of this life is only temporary. Verse four states, For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. Asaph said that the wicked did not die for their wickedness, but remained strong. No matter how strong the wicked may seem in the world today, they will suffer for their wickedness when God's judgment comes. Verse five adds, They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Asaph said that the wicked did not seem to be troubled or suffer as other people did. There may be many people today who deny God and seemingly have no trouble in life, but we should never be tempted to try and be like them. Verse six continues, Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. There are so many people who are rich in material things today who are full of self pride. They want to take credit for everything that happens around them and often are not afraid to use violence to accomplish their goals. Verse seven says, Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. Asaph said that the wicked, those who did not put their faith in God, often had more than their heart could wish for, and this often seems to be the case today. Verse eight adds, They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. Like then, there are many corrupt people in power today who don't think anything is wrong with oppressing others. We as Christians must never believe that it is okay to oppress anyone, no matter how weak or poor they may be. Verse nine declares, They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Asaph said the wicked set their mouth against heaven, or God Himself. So many prosperous people speak out against God and His teachings today, but that does not mean that we are to be envious of or follow after them. Verse ten adds, Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. Asaph said that God's people returned wrung out of the blessings of life. We often hear people who do not believe in God ask why if God is so good and powerful are those who believe in and live by His word not rich, but faith in Christ is never about earthly riches. Verse eleven states, And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Asaph said the wicked questioned the knowledge and authority of God, and too many people today attempt to deny that God exists and is in charge. Verse twelve adds, Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Just as Asaph said was happening then, we often see the ungodly prospering in the world today, but we should never be envious of them as followers of Christ. Verse thirteen continues, Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. Asaph said that it seemed that he had cleansed his heart in vain, or that following God's leadership had done him no good. We should never be guilty of judging the benefit of following God by how rich or poor we may be in this lifetime. Verse fourteen concludes, For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. Asaph said that even though he put his faith in God that he suffered every day, and that was why he was tempted to turn away from God. Even if we suffer for our faith, we must never be tempted to turn away from God and chase after the things of this world.
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