Psalm 73 Verse Mapping (verses 5 & 6)

 

"They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the 

rest of mankind.  Therefore pride is their necklace; violence

covers them as a garment." 

Psalm 73:5-6

DESIGN:

"They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.  Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment." (KJV)

"They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.  Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence." (NIV) 

DEVELOPMENT:

Verse 5:

amal = trouble, labor, toil, sorrow, one's own suffering

naga = to touch, reach, strike, plagued, stricken **indicates the idea of being brought down**

Verse 6:

anaq = to serve as a necklace, to choke **used figuratively meaning to furnish liberally**

shith = a garment, attire

ataph = to envelop oneself, covered

chamas =violence, wrong **wickedness of men, noisy, wild ruthlessness**

FIND:

Proverbs 29:8 - "Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath."

Proverbs 29:16 - "When the wicked increase, transgression increases but the righteous will look upon their downfall."

Psalm 86:14 - "O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them."

Malachi 3:15 - "And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape."

MANKIND:

Arrogance and pride are characteristics of the wicked.  They envelop themselves in violence and ruthlessness. This is a choice they make (see wording in NIV and meaning of original word ataph).  They lift their head in pride while choosing to be ignorant to the fact that they are chained and choked by that same pride.

ASK/APPLICATION:

Looking at the original language I find it interesting that the verses speak of toil and labor.  The wicked do not toil as others do; they are not brought down or plagued by many of the concerns other men have.  So in this they become prideful while being unaware that their pride is a chain that chokes them.  They choose to envelop themselves in violence and wickedness;  being noisy, wild and ruthless. 

These verses are a warning to not become prideful or arrogant when we are blessed.  It's important to step back and ask for God to search out any areas of pride in our own life.  What are our priorities? Are we living in a prideful way?  1 Peter 5:5 tells us that God resists the proud.  What characterizes our life?  Pride or humility?  Righteousness or wickedness?  Peace or noisy ruthlessness? It is SO important to stamp out pride; to not let it grow.  Lest we become chained by our pride because that leads to all kind of wickedness.  Instead, we are to be clothed in gentleness and humility (Colossians 3:12).

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Please reveal any areas of pride in my heart; any places where I have clothed myself in wrong.  Forgive me for seeking to live in my own strength, power and understanding in any areas of pride. Cleanse me and turn my heart to You.  Lord help me to remember each day to clothe myself in gentleness and humility.  I praise you that as Your child I have the power to resist sin and to choose righteousness. Amen.