⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read
Psalm 73 Explained: When the Wicked Prosper and Faith Feels Shaken
Author: Dave Jenkins
Series: Reading the Bible Daily with Dave
Date: April 22, 2026
Show Summary
In this episode of Reading the Bible Daily with Dave, Dave Jenkins walks through Psalm 73 and addresses one of the most difficult questions believers face: why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer?
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Episode Notes
Main Theme
Wrestling with the prosperity of the wicked and finding clarity in God’s presence.
Key Doctrine
God’s justice and the believer’s eternal inheritance.
Key Points
- A confession of faith and a near fall (Psalm 73:1–3)
- The illusion of the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 73:4–12)
- Wrestling with doubt (Psalm 73:13–16)
- Perspective gained in God’s presence (Psalm 73:17–20)
- God’s sustaining grace (Psalm 73:21–24)
- God as our true treasure (Psalm 73:25–28)
Christ Connection
Psalm 73 ultimately points us to Jesus Christ. Though the wicked appeared to prosper, Christ suffered in righteousness and was vindicated in glory. In Him, we see that present suffering does not negate God’s goodness, and future glory far outweighs present trials.
Key Scriptures
- Psalm 73
- Job 21
- Ecclesiastes 8:14
- Jeremiah 12:1
- Luke 16:19–31
- Romans 8:18
- Hebrews 12:11
Memory Verse
Psalm 73:26 — “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Application
- Bring your doubts honestly to God
- Do not judge reality by appearances
- Measure success by faithfulness, not prosperity
- Remember that God Himself is your portion
Call to Action
If this episode encouraged you, please share it with others and subscribe to Reading the Bible Daily with Dave.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
