What does Psalm 64:6 mean?
This verse is an example of how multiple translations can clarify the meaning of an obscure passage. David's evil-speaking enemies (Psalm 64:2–3) are diligent in their plotting (Psalm 64:5). They don't act carelessly, nor do they move according to sudden feelings. These are carefully planned, well-considered acts of evil being charted out. While the Bible doesn't assign this psalm to any event, there were times in David's life when enemies constructed plots against his life (1 Samuel 19:11; 2 Samuel 15:13–14).David comments on the "depth" of human thoughts and emotions. This analogy relates to the idea of deep water, which is difficult to see through (Proverbs 18:4; Job 12:22). To other people, a man's inner mind and heart are obscure (1 Samuel 16:7). Only God can truly know what's hidden inside. Jeremiah 17:9 gives important context to this idea by describing the human heart as deceptive and spiritually sick. The enemies who plot against David assume no one would see through their evil plans (Psalm 10:4, 11). But they failed to consider the all-seeing eye of God. Jeremiah 17:10 quotes the Lord as saying, "I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
Someday God will judge every person, and the secrets of the heart will be exposed (Luke 12:2–3). Acts 17:31 promises that God "has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by [Jesus] whom he has appointed."
