What does Psalm 62:10 mean?
ESV: Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
NIV: Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
NASB: Do not trust in oppression, And do not vainly rely on robbery; If wealth increases, do not set your heart on it.
CSB: Place no trust in oppression or false hope in robbery. If wealth increases, don't set your heart on it.
NLT: Don’t make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life.
KJV: Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
NKJV: Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them.
Verse Commentary:
In this psalm, David has depicted God using terms of stability and permanence (Psalm 62:1–2). He expresses his ability to remain confident and calm because the Lord is perfectly reliable (Psalm 62:6–7). Even when evil men lie and attack (Psalm 62:3–4) this trust is still well placed. In the prior verse, David contrasted the limited nature of men with the divine and eternal power of God (Psalm 62:9). Those who think they can rely on sinful schemes or material wealth are fooling themselves (Proverbs 11:4).
David's enemies may have been accustomed to obtaining wealth by immoral means. They forced people to give them money. They set ambushes to rob unsuspecting travelers. Not all money comes dishonestly, of course: some earn their riches honestly. Even that is temporary (James 4:14–15).
Jesus provided several examples of those who put too much emphasis on material wealth. One was a parable where a man assumed his stockpiled wealth would make him happy, only to die and leave it all behind (Luke 12:20). Another was when a man asked Jesus how to obtain eternal life. When Jesus told that man to give up his immense wealth, the man instead walked away in sorrow (Luke 18:18–23). Knowing how strong the temptation is to become rich, Paul writes to Timothy: "Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction" (1 Timothy 6:9).
Verse Context:
Psalm 62:9–12 closes this song with a contrast. Prior verses highlighted the sure, eternal, unshakable nature of the Lord God. This passage emphasizes human mortality and the futility of defying His will. God possesses power, loyal love, and the prerogative to judge every man through His perfect understanding.
Chapter Summary:
David asserts that he places all trust and faith in the Lord God alone. Evil people may slander and attack, but the believer in God can patiently wait for justice. Whether weak or powerful, all people are subject to God's judgment. No deeds will escape the Lord's notice (Hebrews 4:13).
Chapter Context:
No specific event is associated with this psalm. It may relate to David's time as a fugitive from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2). It is most likely a general expression of David's faith in God's provision. Other psalms echo these themes of unjust attackers (Psalm 38:19) and God's overwhelming power (Psalm 63:2; 147:5).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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