When Envy Clouds the Heart

Opening Verse

“For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
Psalm 73:3 (KJV)

Introduction

It’s easy to stumble when we look at the world and see the wicked prosper. The heart cries out, “Why do they get away with so much?” But Psalm 73 leads us through this very struggle. It begins with confusion and ends with clarity.

Devotional Story

There was a man who worked hard every day, lived honestly, tithed faithfully, but life seemed stuck. Bills piled up, promotions never came, and sickness lingered in his home. Meanwhile, his co-worker, who cut corners, lied, and mocked God, seemed to thrive. New cars. Expensive vacations. Praise from management.

Bitterness crept in. “What’s the point of living right?” he muttered one evening, tossing his Bible aside. He didn’t pray. He didn’t sing. He just sat in silence.

That night, he couldn’t sleep. His thoughts raced, but none brought peace. Eventually, he picked up his Bible again and read Psalm 73.

When he came to verse 17, something shifted:
“Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.”

In that moment, he saw it clearly. The prosperity of the wicked is short-lived. Without God, it ends in destruction. But suffering with God leads to eternal glory.

The next morning, he rose with new strength. Not because his circumstances had changed, but because his focus had.

What This Means

Psalm 73 reminds us not to envy the wicked. Their success is temporary. Their ease is fragile. But those who walk with God—no matter how hard the path—are held by His hand and guided by His counsel. Don’t measure your life by earthly standards. The presence of God is worth more than all this world can offer.

Think About This

Are you tempted to compare your life to others who seem to succeed without God? Be careful. That path leads to bitterness. Look again to the sanctuary of God—there, your vision will be corrected, your hope restored, and your steps strengthened.

Prayer

Lord, I confess that I have been tempted to envy those who do wrong and still prosper. Forgive me for looking at the world instead of keeping my eyes on You. Teach me to treasure Your presence above all. Remind me that You are my portion forever, and that is more than enough. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
Psalm 73:26 (KJV)