Envying the Wicked
Study note
Asaph begins with a statement of faith — God is good. But he nearly stumbled because he envied the wicked who seem to have easy lives, no pain, pride like jewelry, and ever-increasing wealth. They mock God and ask how he could know.
1 There is no doubt about it — God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are clean and pure. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, I came dangerously close to losing my footing. I nearly slipped right off the path. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 I started feeling jealous of proud people. I kept seeing how well things go for the wicked. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They never seem to struggle. Their bodies are healthy and solid. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They don't carry the heavy burdens that everyone else has to carry. They don't face the kinds of problems that hit other people. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
6 So pride hangs around their necks like a necklace, and violence covers them like a piece of clothing they wear. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7 Their eyes are popping out of their heads because they have so much. They have gotten more than their hearts ever imagined wanting. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8 They mock people and speak with cruelty. From their positions of power, they threaten to crush others. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9 They talk as if they own the heavens, and their tongues strut around the earth saying whatever they please. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10 Therefore people flock to them and eagerly swallow everything they say. Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11 They say, "How would God even know? Does the Most High pay attention to anything?" And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Take a good look at these wicked people — they live without a care in the world, and their wealth keeps on growing. Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
The Turning Point
Study note
Asaph wondered if living right was pointless since he suffered daily. But then he entered God's sanctuary and finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
13 Was it all for nothing that I kept my heart pure and washed my hands to stay innocent? Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14 I get hit with pain all day long, and every morning brings a fresh round of punishment. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15 Speaking those thoughts aloud would have been an act of disloyalty to your people. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16 I wrestled with trying to understand all of this, but it seemed like an impossible puzzle, When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17 until I stepped into God's sanctuary. That is when I finally understood where they are all headed. Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
The End of the Wicked
Study note
The wicked stand on slippery ground. They are destroyed in an instant, swept away by terrors like a dream that vanishes when you wake up. Asaph realizes he was foolish and senseless.
18 The truth is, you have placed them on ground that is slick and slippery. You are letting them slide their way to total ruin. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How suddenly they are wiped out — completely demolished by terrors! How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 Like a dream that fades the moment you wake up -- Lord, when you rise, you will brush aside their image like it was never real. As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21 Back when my heart was sour and I was cut to the core, Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22 I was being foolish and blind. I was behaving like an animal that cannot think — there in your presence. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
God Is All I Need
Study note
Yet Asaph is always with God, who holds his right hand and guides him with counsel. 'Whom have I in heaven but you?' he asks. His flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of his heart forever. Being near God is what matters most.
23 But even then, I was always with you. You were holding on to my right hand the entire time. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your wise counsel, and when it is all over, you will welcome me into glory. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Who else do I have in heaven besides you? And there is nothing on this entire earth that I want more than you. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My body may wear out and my heart may give up, but God is the rock my heart leans on — he is everything I need, forever. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 People who pull away from you will be lost. You put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28 But for me, the best thing in the world is staying close to God. I have made the Lord God my safe place, and now I can tell everyone about everything you do. 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.