The Belt of Truth: Psalm 73:1-15

As we begin Book III of the Psalms (73-89) we turn from how the monarchy was established and the rise of the Davidic King to how it will now collapse and die. Book IV (90-106) will tell us of God’s action to resurrect it and Book V will cause a Halleujah chorus over God’s eternal promises kept. 

Psalm 73 is the prayer noting the righteous being tempted to be like the world. Verse one tells us of what we know, that God is good to his people and near to the pure in heart, an important theme in this psalm. Verses 2-12 then describe the righteous eyeing the wicked and seeing how they prosper despite their boasting. 

Verses 13-15 form the crisis moment. Would it be better to betray our stance? To forsake being upright in heart? It is a thought that shocks the prayer back to his senses as the rest of the Psalm, verses 16-28, confidently grace the end result for those who are wicked.