Psalms 73:16
“When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;”
Psalms 73:16 in 8 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
- DRADouay–Rheims
- I studied that I might know this thing, it is a labour in my sight:
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- When I thought how I might know this, It was too painful for me;
- DARBYDarby
- When I thought to be able to know this, it was a grievous task in mine eyes;
- WEBThe World English Bible
- When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me;
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- And I think to know this, Perverseness it is in mine eyes,
- BPVBiblePics Version
- When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me;
- BPVBiblePics Version
- When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me;
Context: Psalms 73
14For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
About Psalms 73: Wrestling with Envy and Doubt
Psalm 73 is a beautiful yet raw expression of the struggles involved in trying to maintain faith in God amidst the temptations of envy and doubt. The author, Asaph, admits to feeling jealous of the apparent success and lack of consequences of the wicked while he himself has suffered for remaining faithful to God. However, he ultimately realizes that God is his true treasure and that following Him will lead to eternal satisfaction.
Commentary
This psalm is a powerful reminder that faith is not always easy, and that even the strongest believers can sometimes get discouraged and envious. Asaph's candid admission of his struggles is refreshing and reassuring, for it shows that we are not alone in our doubts and temptations. More importantly, it shows that God is gracious and faithful, and that He will never abandon us or let us down. As we read this psalm, let us take heart and be reminded that our ultimate reward is not in earthly success, but in the eternal joy of being in the presence of God.