Psalms 73-76 | Why Do the Wicked Prosper?

Psalms 73-76 Commentary by Allen J. Huth

Today is day fourteen in our journey through the 150 chapters of the Book of Psalms. We will cross over the halfway point with another four psalms. There are times when the wicked prosper at the expense of the righteous. It does not seem fair. Has it happened to you? Please read or listen to Psalms 73-76.

Why Do the Wicked Prosper in Psalm 73?

In 1997, I started with Psalm 73, “The wicked may prosper in this life, but their prosperity ends quickly and finally at death. We may not see ‘justice’ in this life, but praise God for the life to come.” Then concerning Psalm 74, I wrote, “The enemy had come to destroy Jerusalem and eliminate their God. They may have destroyed the temple and other places of worship. God allows such enemy victories because Israel, and we, are disobedient, unfaithful people. But the enemy can never wipeout God or His presence. This is our hope.” On Psalm 75, “The wicked will be judged.” On Psalm 76, “God helps us defeat our enemies.”

Why Do the Righteous Suffer and the Wicked Prosper?

In 2007 (NASB), I wrote, “The wicked prosper and it annoys the righteous. The enemy does win from time-to-time, ‘But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another’ (Ps. 75:7). Though life doesn’t seem fair, God eventually straightens it all out. And if we remain faithful, He remains faithful. Usually, our problems come when we have walked away from God’s law and principles like Israel. Yes, Jerusalem was destroyed but only after the people walked away from God.”

In 2015, the themes of these psalms continue in my journal. I wrote about Psalms 73 and 74, “The righteous often envy the wicked. They are enjoying life, ‘always at ease, they increase in riches’ (Ps. 73:12), but the righteous have ‘given up fun’ to be Christians.” Psalm 73:13 says, “All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.” But then I wrote, “But in the end, God judges the wicked and rewards the righteous. Sometimes the enemy wins. The temple, the sanctuary, is destroyed.”

How Much Longer Will the Wicked Prosper?

Then I quoted Psalm 74:9, “We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet, and there is none among us who knows how long.” I concluded with, “In despair, we still need to cry out to God. He keeps His covenant and promises. He rescues, He restores.”

Regarding Psalms 75 and 76, I wrote, “Thank You that Your name is near when the earth totters. Keep it steady. God judges the boastful, the wicked, the haughty, and lifts up the righteous. God is known in Judah, in Israel, and He fights and defeats enemies. Praise God who brings the victory.”

How To Stand Firm in Your Beliefs

The application from these psalms is clear. Life is messy; it does not always work out the way we think. Sometimes we see the wicked winning at the expense of the righteous. But we are to stand firm. We are to keep the faith. We are to remain faithful. God is the judge of the living and the dead. He is the one that will straighten out the wicked and reward the righteous:

Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches.  All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence (Ps. 73:12-13).

For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you (Ps. 73:27).

but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another (Ps. 75:7).

Trust God with fairness and justice, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Rom. 12:19).

Prayer   

Lord, help me not live under the circumstances, even though the things I see around me may not be fair. Help me live under the sovereignty of God instead. May my eyes and my trust always be on You. In the name of the Lord, we claim it and we pray. Amen.