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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 73:3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/73-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/19_Psa_073_003.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 73:3 - Endow the King with Your Justice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/73-2.htm" title="Psalm 73:2">◄</a> Psalm 73:3 <a href="/psalms/73-4.htm" title="Psalm 73:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/73.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/73.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/73.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/73.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For I was envious at the foolish, <i>when</i> I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/73.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For I <i>was</i> envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/73.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I was envious of the arrogant <i>As</i> I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For I was envious of the arrogant As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For I was envious of the arrogant, <i>As</i> I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/73.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For I was envious of the boastful, I saw the peace of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/73.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For I was envious of the arrogant As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/73.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/73.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I envied the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/73.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/73.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />because it made me jealous to see proud and evil people and to watch them prosper. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/73.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For I was envious at the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/73.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />because I was envious of arrogant people when I saw the prosperity that wicked people enjoy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/73.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />because I was jealous of the proud when I saw that things go well for the wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/73.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For I was envious of the proud when I observed the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/73.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/73.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/73.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/73.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/73.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/73.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I see the peace of the wicked, "" That there are no bands at their death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/73.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The peace of the wicked I see, That there are no bands at their death,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/73.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For I was envious at the foolish; I shall see the peace of the unjust.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/73.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Because I had a zeal on occasion of the wicked, seeing the prosperity of sinners. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/73.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 72:3>For I was zealous over the iniquitous, seeing the peacefulness of sinners.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/73.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Because I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/73.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For I was envious of the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/73.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For I was envious of the wicked when I saw the prosperity of the ungodly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/73.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because I envied the evil when I saw that the wicked had peace.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/73.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/73.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For I was jealous of the transgressors, beholding the tranquility of sinners.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/73-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=8819" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Endow the King with Your Justice</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/7065.htm" title="7065: qin·nê·ṯî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To be jealous or zealous. A primitive root; to be zealous, i.e. jealous or envious.">I envied</a> <a href="/hebrew/1984.htm" title="1984: ba·hō·wl·lîm (Prep-b, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To shine.">the arrogant</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: ’er·’eh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">when I saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: šə·lō·wm (N-msc) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">the prosperity</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rə·šā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">of the wicked.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-7.htm">Job 21:7-13</a></span><br />Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? / Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes. / Their homes are safe from fear; no rod of punishment from God is upon them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1-2</a></span><br />Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? / You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">Malachi 3:15</a></span><br />So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1-2</a></span><br />Of David. Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. / For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16-17</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases. / For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-19.htm">Proverbs 24:19-20</a></span><br />Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked. / For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14</a></span><br />There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Habakkuk 1:13</a></span><br />Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Matthew 5:45</a></span><br />that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-21</a></span><br />Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ / Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-9.htm">James 1:9-11</a></span><br />The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. / But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. / For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-1.htm">James 5:1-6</a></span><br />Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">1 Timothy 6:9-10</a></span><br />Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.</p><p class="hdg">I was</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1,7</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-7.htm">Job 21:7</a></b></br> Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-31.htm">Proverbs 3:31</a></b></br> Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/40-4.htm">Arrogant</a> <a href="/psalms/18-5.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/psalms/72-13.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/37-11.htm">Envied</a> <a href="/psalms/73-2.htm">Envious</a> <a href="/psalms/68-16.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/psalms/70-2.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/psalms/72-7.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/63-11.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/psalms/72-7.htm">Prosperity</a> <a href="/psalms/35-27.htm">Well-Being</a> <a href="/psalms/71-4.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/psalms/64-2.htm">Wrongdoers</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/75-4.htm">Arrogant</a> <a href="/psalms/73-4.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/psalms/73-4.htm">Death</a> <a href="/psalms/106-16.htm">Envied</a> <a href="/psalms/106-16.htm">Envious</a> <a href="/psalms/106-16.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/psalms/73-22.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/psalms/83-1.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/73-6.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/psalms/106-5.htm">Prosperity</a> <a href="/psalms/106-5.htm">Well-Being</a> <a href="/psalms/73-12.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-6.htm">Wrongdoers</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 73</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-1.htm">The prophet, prevailing in a temptation</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-2.htm">Shows the occasion thereof, the prosperity of the wicked</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">The wound given thereby, diffidence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-15.htm">The victory over it, knowledge of God's purpose.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/73.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/73.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For I envied the arrogant</b><br>The psalmist begins by confessing a personal struggle with envy, a sin that is often addressed in Scripture. Envy is a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions. The Bible warns against envy in passages like <a href="/proverbs/14-30.htm">Proverbs 14:30</a>, which states that envy rots the bones. The "arrogant" refers to those who are prideful and self-reliant, often dismissing God’s authority. This struggle is not unique to the psalmist; it reflects a common human experience, as seen in the story of Cain and Abel (<a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Genesis 4:5-8</a>), where envy led to sin. The psalmist's honesty in admitting this feeling is a reminder of the importance of self-examination and confession.<p><b>when I saw the prosperity of the wicked</b><br>The psalmist observes the success and wealth of those who do not follow God's ways, which is a recurring theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible, such as in Job and Ecclesiastes. The "wicked" are those who live in opposition to God's commandments, yet they seem to thrive. This apparent contradiction challenges the belief that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked, a central tenet in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>. The prosperity of the wicked is a test of faith for believers, as it can lead to doubt about God's justice. This theme is also addressed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about the temporary nature of earthly wealth and the eternal value of spiritual riches (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>). The psalmist's observation serves as a reminder to focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary, worldly success.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/asaph.htm">Asaph</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>, Asaph was a prominent Levite musician appointed by King David to lead worship in the tabernacle. His psalms often reflect deep personal struggles and insights into God's justice and righteousness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_arrogant.htm">The Arrogant</a></b><br>This term refers to those who are prideful and self-reliant, often dismissing God’s authority. In the context of <a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>, they are the individuals who seem to prosper despite their wickedness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>In biblical terms, the wicked are those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles. They are often depicted as prospering in this world, which can be a source of confusion and envy for the righteous.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_envy.htm">Understanding Envy</a></b><br>Envy is a destructive emotion that can lead us away from God’s truth. Recognizing and confessing envy is the first step toward spiritual healing and growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_prosperity.htm">The Illusion of Prosperity</a></b><br>The prosperity of the wicked is temporary and often an illusion. True prosperity is found in a relationship with God and living according to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_in_god's_justice.htm">Trusting in God's Justice</a></b><br>God’s justice may not always be immediate, but it is certain. Trusting in His timing and sovereignty is crucial for maintaining faith amidst apparent injustices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/focusing_on_eternal_rewards.htm">Focusing on Eternal Rewards</a></b><br>As believers, our focus should be on eternal rewards rather than temporary, worldly success. This perspective helps us maintain contentment and peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart.htm">Guarding the Heart</a></b><br><a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a> advises us to guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it. Keeping our hearts aligned with God’s truth protects us from the pitfalls of envy and discontent.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_73.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 73</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_we_reconcile_prosperity_paradox.htm">Psalm 73:3 says the wicked prosper, yet other passages (e.g., Psalm 1:3) promise prosperity for the righteous—how do we reconcile this contradiction? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/job_21_13__evidence_rich_die_at_ease.htm">In Job 21:13, what evidence exists (historically or archaeologically) that would suggest the rich die at ease without facing retribution? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_evil_people_succeed.htm">Why do evil people succeed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_the_unethical_often_succeed.htm">Proverbs 2 depicts a direct correlation between virtue and success—why do corrupt or unethical individuals often thrive in reality? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/73.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Foolish.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">arrogant.</span><p><span class= "bld">When I saw.</span>--Perhaps the conjunction is wrongly supplied, and the word "saw" here is synonymous with "envied" in the first clause. (Comp. Latin <span class= "ital">invideo.</span>)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/73.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1</a>). To envy the wicked because they prosper is to make more account of the good things of this life than of God's favour - to prefer physical good to moral. It is also to doubt that God governs the universe by the strict rule of justice. The word translated "foolish" means rather, "vain arrogant boasters." Such the wicked commonly become when they prosper (comp. <a href="/psalms/5-5.htm">Psalm 5:5</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/73-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I envied</span><br /><span class="heb">קִ֭נֵּאתִי</span> <span class="translit">(qin·nê·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7065.htm">Strong's 7065: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, zealous, jealous, envious</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the arrogant</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּֽהוֹלְלִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(ba·hō·wl·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1984.htm">Strong's 1984: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[when] I saw</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶרְאֶֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(’er·’eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the prosperity</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁל֖וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> </span><span class="str2">Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wicked.</span><br /><span class="heb">רְשָׁעִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(rə·šā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/73-3.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 73:3 For I was envious of the arrogant (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/73-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 73:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/73-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 73:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>