“Moreover, I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, iniquity was there.”
Ecclesiastes 3:16

In this next section of Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes about the injustices he observed (3:16–22), the obvious oppression he noticed (4:1–3), the vanity of a “me first” attitude (4:4–6), and how popularity fades away (4:13–16). He also noticed the value of friendship (4:7–12). Each of these sections begins with Solomon saying, “I saw,” or something similar (3:16; 4:1; 4:4; 4:7; 4:15). The only exception is 4:13–16, though we do find the expression in verse 15.

It would have been easy for Solomon to become discouraged or to think that perhaps God was not in control, since the things he observed seemed contrary to that truth. Asaph had a similar experience and records it for us in Psalm 73. He begins by admitting, “Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Ps. 73:1–3).

Solomon saw what appeared to be contradictions. Likewise, in Psalm 73:4–12, we see that Asaph’s perspective had become distorted. Notice the repetition of the pronouns “they” and “their.” Over and over, Asaph admits that he was occupied with what the wicked were doing and seemingly getting away with. This created doubts and concerns in his own heart.

Notice also that when Asaph looked outwardly, he then began to focus on himself, especially on what he had done, creating a “why me?” attitude. Nearly ten times Asaph uses the personal pronoun “I” in verses 13–17. This only led to deep pain within his own heart (Ps. 73:16).

But beginning in verse 17, Asaph gained a new perspective. It began when he poured out his heart to the Lord. Things became clear when he entered into God’s presence. He confesses, “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end” (Ps. 73:17).

Asaph began to experience the power of a new perspective. His language changed from “they” and “their,” to “me” and “I,” and finally to “You” and “Yours.” He was no longer occupied with the wicked or with himself. Instead, because he spent time in God’s presence, he began to see things from God’s perspective and realized that God was in control. He no longer felt alone but enjoyed sweet fellowship with his God.

Anchor For Today:
Like Asaph and Solomon, it is easy for our view to become distorted when we are looking in the wrong direction. We must be looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2).