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Psalms 73:13
Verse
Context
Sermons
Carter Conlon
Bakht Singh
David WilkersonSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The Psalmist, partaking of these troubles, is especially disturbed in view of his own case, that with all his diligent efforts for a holy life, he is still sorely tried.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Verily, I have cleansed my heart in vain,.... Which supposes that his heart had been unclean, as every man's is, and which appears by what is in it, and by what comes out of it; that it was now cleansed, not in an absolute and legal sense, as if it was wholly free from sin, for this no man can say; but in an evangelical sense, being purified by faith in the blood of Christ; that he had himself some concern in the cleansing of his heart, which seems to be contrary to Pro 20:9 and besides, this is the Lord's own work, Psa 51:10 wherefore this may be considered as a wrong and rash expression of his; for as he was wrong in one part of it, its being cleansed in vain, so he might be in the other, in ascribing it to himself; though it may be allowed, consistent with what is before observed, that a believer has a concern in the cleansing of his heart; for, being convinced of the impurity of it, he owns and laments it before the Lord; and, seeing the fountain of the Redeemer's blood opened, he applies to it, and to him for cleansing; and expresses a love unto, a great and studious concern for purity of heart as well as life; and, under the influence of divine grace, is enabled to keep a watch over it, whereby, through the same grace, it is preserved from much pollution; and by fresh application to the blood of Christ, is cleansed from what it daily contracts: and washed my hands in innocency: that is, "in vain", as before; which denotes the performance of good works, a course of holy life and conversation, which when right springs from purity of heart; See Gill on Psa 26:6, now the psalmist under temptation concluded that all his religion and devotion were in vain, all his hearing, and reading, and attending on ordinances, all his concern for purity of heart and life; since those who showed no regard to these things prospered in the world, and increased in riches, abounded in ease and plenty, and seemed to be rather the favourites of heaven than religious men; and this temptation was strengthened by the following observation.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
73:13-17 Recognizing the ramifications of his discouragement and doubt, the psalmist turns to the Lord and receives special insight. 73:13-14 These rhetorical questions expect a discouraging “yes” for an answer. The psalmist wonders if godliness has become a meaningless ritual (see Mal 3:14-15). • My heart refers to his whole being. • The psalmist’s pain comes from discipline and rebuke (Ps 39:11; Prov 1:23, 25; 12:1).
Psalms 73:13
Surely God Is Good to Israel
12Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth. 13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. 14For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Give Me a Reason Not to Give Up
By Carter Conlon2.0K44:09HopePSA 73:2PSA 73:13In this sermon, the preacher urges believers to continue living for God despite the hardships they may face. He invites those who are committed to the cause of saving the lost to come forward and pray together. The preacher emphasizes the importance of not going to hell but choosing heaven instead, and encourages listeners to think about their loved ones and others who need salvation. He highlights the significance of being a reason for someone to come to Christ and warns about the consequences of not living for God.
Suffer for a Little While
By Bakht Singh0PSA 73:2PSA 73:131TI 6:6Bakht Singh preaches on the experience of the psalmist Asaph in Psalm 73, where he almost stumbled and fell from faith while observing the prosperity of the ungodly. Asaph was tempted to believe that his pursuit of holiness was in vain, feeling vexed in his spirit. However, through seeking God in the holy place, Asaph gained a new perspective, realizing the temporary nature of the ungodly's joy and the eternal joy awaiting the godly. This serves as a reminder for believers to focus on the eternal blessings and be content with what God has provided, as godliness with contentment is true gain.
Someone to Watch Over Me
By David Wilkerson0God's ProtectionTrust in TrialsPSA 34:18PSA 73:13PSA 73:18PSA 73:26ISA 41:10MAT 11:28ROM 8:28PHP 4:6HEB 13:51PE 5:7David Wilkerson emphasizes the struggles of Asaph, who felt his righteous efforts were in vain as he compared his suffering to the ease of the wicked. In his despair, Asaph questioned God's concern and considered giving up, but through prayer and seeking God, he gained understanding of the true state of the wicked. Ultimately, Asaph realized that while he faced trials, he was not alone; God was his strength and protector. This sermon encourages believers to turn to God in times of grief and confusion, reminding them that God watches over them.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The Psalmist, partaking of these troubles, is especially disturbed in view of his own case, that with all his diligent efforts for a holy life, he is still sorely tried.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Verily, I have cleansed my heart in vain,.... Which supposes that his heart had been unclean, as every man's is, and which appears by what is in it, and by what comes out of it; that it was now cleansed, not in an absolute and legal sense, as if it was wholly free from sin, for this no man can say; but in an evangelical sense, being purified by faith in the blood of Christ; that he had himself some concern in the cleansing of his heart, which seems to be contrary to Pro 20:9 and besides, this is the Lord's own work, Psa 51:10 wherefore this may be considered as a wrong and rash expression of his; for as he was wrong in one part of it, its being cleansed in vain, so he might be in the other, in ascribing it to himself; though it may be allowed, consistent with what is before observed, that a believer has a concern in the cleansing of his heart; for, being convinced of the impurity of it, he owns and laments it before the Lord; and, seeing the fountain of the Redeemer's blood opened, he applies to it, and to him for cleansing; and expresses a love unto, a great and studious concern for purity of heart as well as life; and, under the influence of divine grace, is enabled to keep a watch over it, whereby, through the same grace, it is preserved from much pollution; and by fresh application to the blood of Christ, is cleansed from what it daily contracts: and washed my hands in innocency: that is, "in vain", as before; which denotes the performance of good works, a course of holy life and conversation, which when right springs from purity of heart; See Gill on Psa 26:6, now the psalmist under temptation concluded that all his religion and devotion were in vain, all his hearing, and reading, and attending on ordinances, all his concern for purity of heart and life; since those who showed no regard to these things prospered in the world, and increased in riches, abounded in ease and plenty, and seemed to be rather the favourites of heaven than religious men; and this temptation was strengthened by the following observation.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
73:13-17 Recognizing the ramifications of his discouragement and doubt, the psalmist turns to the Lord and receives special insight. 73:13-14 These rhetorical questions expect a discouraging “yes” for an answer. The psalmist wonders if godliness has become a meaningless ritual (see Mal 3:14-15). • My heart refers to his whole being. • The psalmist’s pain comes from discipline and rebuke (Ps 39:11; Prov 1:23, 25; 12:1).