Godly wisdom concerning the destinies of the righteous and the wicked.
Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-3
st. 2 = vv. 4-6
st. 3 = vv. 6-10
st. 4 = vv. 11-14
st. 5 = vv. 13-20
st. 6 = vv. 21-24
st. 7 = vv. 25-26
st. 8 = vv. 27-28
Psalm 73, the first in Book III of the Psalms, addresses one of the most disturbing problems of the Old Testament saints: Why do the wicked often prosper while the righteous endure much suffering (see also 1, 34, 37, 49, and 112)? The psalmist confesses confidence in the LORD, but describes how his faith faltered when he considered this problem (st. 1). We too can see the wicked prosper and in good health (st. 2), even though they are proud and arrogant, "scoff at the helpless" (st. 3), and curse God Most High. Meanwhile our own troubles may increase (st. 4), and we may be tempted to become like the wicked and denounce God. Resolution comes only when we stand in God's presence–then we can discern the final outcome of wicked living (st. 5). God will never fail to sustain us throughout our lives and afterward will take us to glory (st. 6). With that assurance, we confess our dependence on God alone and our conviction that God will sustain us forever (st. 7). The psalm concludes with renewed commitment to trust in God and a promise to make God's grace known to others (st. 8). The versification (somewhat altered) is from the 1912 Psalter. Another setting of Psalm 73 is at 554.
Liturgical Use:
Whenever "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" is proclaimed; especially appropriate when Christians suffer and the wicked prosper and grow defiant in their prosperity.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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