What does Psalm 73:18 mean?

Asaph sought out God (Psalm 73:17) to help him resolve the frustrating example of those who defy God yet seem successful anyway (Psalm 73:2–3). The main complaints given by Asaph were framed in exaggerated, melodramatic terms (Psalm 73:4–14). Here, he takes a more reasonable tone and points out what a more careful look reveals. The book of Proverbs explains how rejecting God's wisdom puts a person at risk of earthly consequences (Proverbs 9:13–18). Scripture, overall, clarifies that defying God inevitably leads to eternal consequences—even if that person seems to temporarily escape troubles on earth (Hebrews 9:27).

Those who arrogantly defy God may feel secure and untouchable in their present circumstances. But their future is terrifying. Their fate resembles a crumbling building that collapses and becomes a pile of debris. In the end times, God will judge wealthy Babylon for its wickedness, including sexual immorality, human bondage, and sorcery. When He strikes Babylon, an angel calls out, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!" (Revelation 18:2–3). The angel describes Babylon as demon infested and unclean. A voice from heaven describes Babylon as having been clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls, but the voice declares that "in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste" (Revelation 18:16–17). God will not allow the prosperous wicked to defy Him forever!