Psalms 73:13-14

Psalms 73:13-14

[13] Verily I have cleansed  my heart  in vain,  and washed  my hands  in innocency.  [14] For all the day  long have I been plagued,  and chastened  every morning. 

What does Psalms 73:13-14 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

After observing the wicked, Asaph felt his commitment to follow God faithfully was a mistake. Instead of prospering, he experienced more problems. God seemed to be punishing the pure in heart and prospering the proud.
"He had not been guilty of bloodshed or oppressive activities; so he could say that his hands were washed "in innocence" (cf. Psalm 26:6; Matthew 27:24)." [1]
". . . we don"t serve God because of what we get out of it but because He is worthy of our worship and service regardless of what He allows to come to our lives." [2]