Psalms 62:10
Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 12
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּבְטְח֣וּ
Trust
H982
תִּבְטְח֣וּ
Trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
בְעֹשֶׁק֮
not in oppression
H6233
בְעֹשֶׁק֮
not in oppression
Strong's:
H6233
Word #:
3 of 12
injury, fraud, (subjectively) distress, (concretely) unjust gain
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 12
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תֶּ֫הְבָּ֥לוּ
and become not vain
H1891
תֶּ֫הְבָּ֥לוּ
and become not vain
Strong's:
H1891
Word #:
6 of 12
to be vain in act, word, or expectation; specifically to lead astray
חַ֤יִל׀
if riches
H2428
חַ֤יִל׀
if riches
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
7 of 12
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָנ֑וּב
increase
H5107
יָנ֑וּב
increase
Strong's:
H5107
Word #:
9 of 12
to germinate, i.e., (figuratively) to (causatively, make) flourish; also (of words), to utter
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
10 of 12
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Psalms 52:7Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.Jeremiah 17:11As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.1 Timothy 6:17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;Isaiah 61:8For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.Isaiah 30:12Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:Psalms 49:6They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;Job 20:29This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.Job 20:19Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;Mark 10:23And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!1 Timothy 6:10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Historical Context
David's rise to power involved resisting temptations to seize the kingdom through violence (1 Samuel 24:4-7, 26:8-11). His restraint demonstrated trust in God's timing rather than human expedience.
Questions for Reflection
- What forms of oppression and robbery tempt those with power in modern contexts?
- How can you steward increasing resources without 'setting your heart' on them?
Analysis & Commentary
The warning against trusting in oppression and robbery identifies two temptations—using power unjustly or accumulating wealth wickedly. 'Become not vain in robbery' warns that ill-gotten gains produce emptiness. The caution about riches increasing ('if riches increase, set not your heart upon them') addresses prosperity's spiritual danger, anticipating Christ's warnings about wealth's deceitfulness (Mark 4:19).