Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
The psalmist battles carnal reason itself, contending against what the eye sees: the wicked gorged in wealth and pleasure while mocking God, and the righteous crushed under troubles. He nearly cast off all care for religion at this sight. But he reproves his own rashness in judging from the present state alone, and learns that when God's providence runs its course as He has determined in secret counsel, the righteous will not be cheated of their reward, nor the wicked escape the judge.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 73:1-28
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain. Poor Asaph! he questions the value of holiness when its wages are paid in the coin of affliction. With no effect has he been sincere; no advantage has come to him through his purity, for the filthy hearted are exalted and fed on the fat of the land. Thus foolishly will the wisest of men argue, when faith is napping.
He had been brooding on the wicked's prosperity until the fire burned in him; then he checked himself: Yet God is good. That word settled him. We must anchor ourselves to truths that cannot be shaken, His goodness, His justice, His holiness, and believe that all His ways, though we cannot now trace them, stand firm upon these rocks.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 73:1-14