Psalm 73:15
ESV
If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
NIV
If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.
NASB
If I had said, 'I will speak this way,' Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children.
CSB
If I had decided to say these things aloud, I would have betrayed your people.
NLT
If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people.
KJV
If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
NKJV
If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
What does Psalm 73:15 mean?
The prior verses (Psalm 73:4–14) have a melodramatic, almost over-emotional tone. This is deliberate and done for at least two reasons. It emphasizes the depth of the pain this problem brings and highlights the main points of angst. Suffering is difficult enough to endure. When we see examples of those who are evil, even hateful, who yet have earthly success, it's natural to feel bitterness (Psalm 73:13).Moving into the last part of this psalm, Asaph clearly notes that those cynical, defeated attitudes are not right. They may be natural temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13), but they aren't in line with the truth. Looking at the whole of God's truth, Asaph could remind himself that he ought to know better. If he agreed that God was unfair, he would betray the younger generation of God's people. If he abandoned the faith after leading worship in the temple, what message would his defection convey to them? Similarly, those who teach and preach God's Word need to set a consistent example of faith other believers can follow.
In his first letter to Timothy, a young pastor, the apostle Paul instructed: "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). The apostle Paul led a disciplined life of faith so he would not become disqualified to receive a reward after preaching to others (1 Corinthians 9:26–27).
This perspective does not change the natural pain and anger Asaph felt. Nor does it explain why some particular person is allowed to succeed despite their sin (Psalm 73:16). This right view merely gives Asaph—and us—reason to continue to trust in God. This kind of self-discipline is hard but worthwhile.
Psalm 73:15–28 gives a fitting resolution to Asaph's complaint (Psalm 73:2–3). He was disturbed by the contrast between the seemingly prosperous wicked and the difficulties of the righteous. Many today feel the same conflict. An eternal perspective gave the answer he needed to those hard examples. In short, wickedness does come with risks, and earthly life is not all there is to our existence. Even in the context of the natural world, evil invites negative consequences and disaster. In eternity, judgment on godlessness is absolutely guaranteed.
Seeing godless people thrive, even as they hatefully mock God, while believers suffer, leads many people to a crisis of faith. This was the case for Asaph. Using exaggerated imagery, he complains to the Lord that it seems as if evil people have easy lives, while godly people suffer. Further reflection reminds Asaph that sin does lead to consequences, both in this life and the next. He confesses his sins of bitterness and resolves to trust God more deeply.
