Even apparent blessings for the wicked are temporary.
“Behold, these are the wicked; And always at ease, they have increased in wealth.” (v.12) This psalm was written by Asaph, who was appointed by King David as a leader of worship in Israel, serving to celebrate and praise the LORD in the sanctuary. Here, Asaph observes how those who reject God’s ways often appear to experience prosperity and comfort. Their outward success leads the psalmist to wrestle with a difficult question: why do those who act wickedly seem to flourish while the faithful often endure hardship?
Asaph’s emphasis on the ease and affluence of the wicked reflects a common biblical theme: it can seem that evil flourishes unchecked, provoking frustration or even envy among believers. Yet the psalmist will later realize (Psalm 73:16-17) that God’s perspective sees the whole story. Many passages in the Old Testament, such as Psalm 37, remind us that the apparent prosperity of the ungodly is fleeting and that the LORD’s justice is certain. Trusting God's ultimate plan calls for patience and faith, looking beyond present circumstances to His eternal purposes.
This verse also points forward to the New Testament, where Jesus calls believers to resist the lure of storing up earthly wealth at the expense of devotion to God (Matthew 6:19). In following Christ, there is a new understanding that prosperity without righteousness leads to spiritual emptiness, while suffering coupled with faith brings eternal reward (Matthew 5:10-12). God’s people can rest securely knowing He sees every situation, and that He alone will bring lasting justice and blessing.
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Psalms 73:12 meaning
“Behold, these are the wicked; And always at ease, they have increased in wealth.” (v.12) This psalm was written by Asaph, who was appointed by King David as a leader of worship in Israel, serving to celebrate and praise the LORD in the sanctuary. Here, Asaph observes how those who reject God’s ways often appear to experience prosperity and comfort. Their outward success leads the psalmist to wrestle with a difficult question: why do those who act wickedly seem to flourish while the faithful often endure hardship?
Asaph’s emphasis on the ease and affluence of the wicked reflects a common biblical theme: it can seem that evil flourishes unchecked, provoking frustration or even envy among believers. Yet the psalmist will later realize (Psalm 73:16-17) that God’s perspective sees the whole story. Many passages in the Old Testament, such as Psalm 37, remind us that the apparent prosperity of the ungodly is fleeting and that the LORD’s justice is certain. Trusting God's ultimate plan calls for patience and faith, looking beyond present circumstances to His eternal purposes.
This verse also points forward to the New Testament, where Jesus calls believers to resist the lure of storing up earthly wealth at the expense of devotion to God (Matthew 6:19). In following Christ, there is a new understanding that prosperity without righteousness leads to spiritual emptiness, while suffering coupled with faith brings eternal reward (Matthew 5:10-12). God’s people can rest securely knowing He sees every situation, and that He alone will bring lasting justice and blessing.