When the Wicked Seem to Win
Psalm 73 opens with a tension that’s not hard to relate to: why do people who behave badly often seem to succeed? "I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked," the writer admits. It’s a moment of raw honesty. Rather than jumping to answers, the psalm lingers in the discomfort of the question.
It’s Not Just You—This Feels Unfair
The writer observes that people who cause harm or act without regard for others often appear to thrive. They seem carefree, well-fed, confident. Meanwhile, those who try to live with integrity don’t always see the same rewards. It’s frustrating. The psalmist even wonders if trying to live a "pure" life is pointless.
What’s compelling here is that this feeling isn’t condemned or pushed aside. It’s laid out plainly. There’s no attempt to disguise the frustration or explain it away quickly. Instead, the writer acknowledges just how destabilizing that observation can be—"my feet had almost slipped."
The Sanctuary Reset: A New Lens on the Old Problem
Then something shifts. The tone changes after a visit to the sanctuary, a place of perspective. There’s no detailed explanation of what happens there, but it seems to offer the writer a broader view. The success of the wicked starts to look temporary. Their confidence feels fragile. The writer steps back and sees that things may not be as they first appeared.
This change doesn’t undo the earlier feelings. Those questions about fairness and reward still hang in the background. But the writer no longer feels unmoored. Instead of focusing on others, the psalm turns inward, ending on a quieter note of clarity: "I was senseless and ignorant... Yet I am always with you." There’s a recognition of personal vulnerability, but also stability in something more lasting than appearances.
Modern Vibes, Ancient Words
From a secular angle, this psalm reads like a journal entry—a progression of thought and emotion. It starts with jealousy and confusion, moves through a kind of reset, and ends with a new, if incomplete, sense of calm. It's not a lecture; it’s a record of someone working through a difficult thought.
Maybe that’s what makes it interesting to read today. The desire for fairness, the struggle to make sense of what we see around us, the moments when doubt feels stronger than clarity—these are still common experiences. And sometimes just naming them is a step toward steadier ground.