What does Psalm 10:13 mean?

Those who understand God's goodness (Psalm 9:1–2) and His justice (Psalm 9:7–8) sometimes struggle to understand why others are so committed to opposing the Lord. Here, David questions why wicked people "renounce" God, using a Hebrew term which implies despising, blaspheming, and contempt (Psalm 10:3). These evil ones don't just decline to honor God, they hate Him. At the same time, they refuse to consider that He will hold them accountable for their sin (Psalm 10:11).

Of course, such reasoning on the part of the wicked is unfounded. God does see sin, and He judges it (Hebrews 4:13). In Numbers 32:23 the Lord announces, "Be sure your sin will find you out." Work pays wages, and in the same way sin brings consequences. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death."

Death because of sin comes in three ways. Ephesians 2:1–2 reflects on the believers' past life, stating, "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked." Spiritual death is separation from God in this life. Secondly, physical death is also part of sin's wages. Hebrews 9:27 says "it is appointed for man to die once." This death separates the body from the soul. Finally, there is eternal death: separation from God forever in the lake of fire. Revelation 20:14 calls this death, "the second death." Sin never pays less than what sinners deserve.