Envy is one of those subtle sins that lurks in our hearts and can kick our feet out from under us without us barely even knowing it’s happening. This is the plight of the psalmist – Asaph.
“God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart. But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray. For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have an easy time until they die…” (Ps 7:1-3).
His mind knew God was good and had been good, but he envied the rich and the powerful. They had it easy with all their wealth and all their influence and all their control. A little compromise and they had ease. So what is the point of righteousness? Especially when it just brings hardship and trouble.
“When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny” (Ps 73:16-17).
And that’s it right there. “Then I understood their destiny.”
There are those who did crooked things and have prospered because of it. Yes, they do not fear God.
“The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High know everything? Look at them–the wicked! They are always at ease, and they increase their wealth” (Ps 73:11-12).
And that increase of wealth and that life of ease is what Asaph says almost caused him to slip. It was because of what he saw that he complained to God why his life wasn’t like theirs when he did what was righteous.
“…I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded” (Ps 73:21).
It’s true. Sometimes when we aren’t thinking clearly about situations we now only become embittered, but we feel left out and uncared for by God leaving in our hearts what feels like a wound.
But Asaph says this.
“I was stupid and didn’t understand; I was an unthinking animal toward You” (Ps 73:22).
Then Asaph got it as he said.
“Then I understood their destiny.”
The man or woman who fears God has an eternal perspective. The destiny of mankind outlives this life.
“Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me up in glory. Who do I have in heave but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever…” (Ps 73:23-26).
