Psalm 52:7
New International Version
“Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!”

New Living Translation
“Look what happens to mighty warriors who do not trust in God. They trust their wealth instead and grow more and more bold in their wickedness.”

English Standard Version
“See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction!”

Berean Standard Bible
“Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.”

King James Bible
Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

New King James Version
“Here is the man who did not make God his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, And strengthened himself in his wickedness.”

New American Standard Bible
“Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, But trusted in the abundance of his riches And was strong in his evil desire.”

NASB 1995
“Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, But trusted in the abundance of his riches And was strong in his evil desire.”

NASB 1977
“Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, And was strong in his evil desire.”

Legacy Standard Bible
“Behold, the man who would not set God as his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches And was strong in his destruction.”

Amplified Bible
“Look, [this is] the man who would not make God his strength [his stronghold and fortress], But trusted in the abundance of his riches, Taking refuge in his wealth.”

Christian Standard Bible
“Here is the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, taking refuge in his destructive behavior.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Here is the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, taking refuge in his destructive behavior.”

American Standard Version
Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, And strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Contemporary English Version
"Just look at them now! Instead of trusting God, they trusted their wealth and their cruelty."

English Revised Version
Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Look at this person who refused to make God his fortress! Instead, he trusted his great wealth and became strong through his greed."

Good News Translation
"Look, here is someone who did not depend on God for safety, but trusted instead in great wealth and looked for security in being wicked."

International Standard Version
"Look, here is a young man who refused to make God his strength; instead, he trusted in his great wealth and made his wickedness his strength.

Majority Standard Bible
?Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.?

NET Bible
"Look, here is the man who would not make God his protector! He trusted in his great wealth and was confident about his plans to destroy others."

New Heart English Bible
"Look, this is the man who did not make God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and was confident in his desire."

Webster's Bible Translation
Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

World English Bible
“Behold, this is the man who didn’t make God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Behold, the man who does not make God his strong place, "" And trusts in the abundance of his riches, "" He is strong in his mischiefs.”

Young's Literal Translation
'Lo, the man who maketh not God his strong place, And trusteth in the abundance of his riches, He is strong in his mischiefs.'

Smith's Literal Translation
The original Julia E. Smith Bible records the following as a verse reference for Ps 52:9Behold, the man will not set God his strength, and he will trust in the multitude of his riches he will be strengthened in his mischief.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold the man that made not God his helper: But trusted in the abundance of his riches: and prevailed in his vanity.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Behold the man who did not set God as his helper. But he hoped in the multitude of his riches, and so he prevailed in his emptiness.”

New American Bible
“Behold the man! He did not take God as his refuge, but he trusted in the abundance of his wealth, and grew powerful through his wickedness.”

New Revised Standard Version
“See the one who would not take refuge in God, but trusted in abundant riches, and sought refuge in wealth!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they shall say, Lo, this is the man who trusted not in God; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and boasted in his possessions.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And we shall say, "This is the man who did not make God his trust but trusted upon the multitude of his wealth and is lifted up by his possessions.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Lo, this is the man that made not God his stronghold; But trusted in the abundance of his riches, And strengthened himself in his wickedness.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Behold the man who made not God his help; but trusted in the abundance of his wealth, and strengthened himself in his vanity.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Why Do You Boast of Evil?
6The righteous will see and fear; they will mock the evildoer, saying, 7“Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.” 8But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in the loving devotion of God forever and ever.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

Proverbs 11:28
He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.

Luke 12:19-21
Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ / But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”

1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.

James 5:1-3
Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.

Ezekiel 28:4-5
By your wisdom and understanding you have gained your wealth and amassed gold and silver for your treasuries. / By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, but your heart has grown proud because of it.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Isaiah 47:10
You were secure in your wickedness; you said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray; you told yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’

Job 31:24-28
If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security, / if I have rejoiced in my great wealth because my hand had gained so much, / if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, ...

Mark 10:24-25
And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! / It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Proverbs 18:11
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.

Revelation 18:7
As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’

Habakkuk 2:9-11
Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster! / You have plotted shame for your house by cutting off many peoples and forfeiting your life. / For the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters will echo it from the woodwork.

Zephaniah 1:18
Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them on the Day of the LORD’s wrath. The whole earth will be consumed by the fire of His jealousy.” For indeed, He will make a sudden end of all who dwell on the earth.

Luke 16:19-31
Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...


Treasury of Scripture

See, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Lo

Isaiah 14:16,17
They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; …

John 19:5
Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

made

Psalm 146:3-5
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help…

Jeremiah 17:5
Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

trusted

Psalm 49:6
They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

Psalm 62:9,10
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity…

Job 31:24,25
If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; …

strengthened

Psalm 73:7,11,18-20
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish…

Ecclesiastes 8:8
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

Hosea 12:7,8
He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand: he loveth to oppress…

wickedness.

Jump to Previous
Abundance Avarice Confidence Desire Destroying Evil Faith Goods Great Grew Maketh Mischiefs Others Property Refuge Riches Sought Strength Strengthened Strong Stronghold Trusted Trusteth Wealth Wickedness
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Abundance Avarice Confidence Desire Destroying Evil Faith Goods Great Grew Maketh Mischiefs Others Property Refuge Riches Sought Strength Strengthened Strong Stronghold Trusted Trusteth Wealth Wickedness
Psalm 52
1. David, condemning the spitefulness of Doeg, prophesies his destruction
6. The righteous shall rejoice at it
8. David, upon his confidence in God's mercy, gives thanks














Look at the man who did not make God his refuge
This phrase highlights the folly of relying on anything other than God for security and protection. In biblical context, a refuge is a place of safety and trust, often used to describe God’s role for His people (Psalm 46:1). The man in question is a representation of those who choose self-reliance over divine dependence. This can be seen in the story of King Saul, who repeatedly failed to seek God as his refuge, leading to his downfall (1 Samuel 28:6-7). Theologically, this serves as a warning against idolatry, where anything other than God becomes a source of trust.

but trusted in the abundance of his wealth
Wealth in biblical times was often seen as a sign of God’s blessing, yet it also posed a significant spiritual danger when it became an object of trust. The rich man in Luke 12:16-21 is a New Testament parallel, where Jesus warns against storing up treasures on earth without being rich toward God. Historically, wealth could be amassed through trade, agriculture, or conquest, but it was always subject to loss and decay. This phrase underscores the transient nature of material wealth compared to the eternal security found in God.

and strengthened himself by destruction
This phrase suggests a reliance on aggressive or unethical means to maintain power and security. In the historical context of the ancient Near East, leaders often resorted to violence and oppression to secure their positions, as seen in the actions of figures like King Herod (Matthew 2:16). Theologically, this reflects the destructive nature of sin, which promises strength but ultimately leads to ruin. It contrasts with the example of Jesus Christ, who, though possessing all power, chose the path of humility and sacrifice (Philippians 2:5-8). This serves as a prophetic warning against the self-destructive nature of sin and the ultimate futility of relying on anything other than God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
- The author of Psalm 52, who wrote this psalm as a reflection on the treachery of Doeg the Edomite.

2. Doeg the Edomite
- A servant of King Saul who betrayed David by reporting to Saul about David's visit to Ahimelech the priest, leading to the massacre of the priests at Nob.

3. King Saul
- The first king of Israel, who was in pursuit of David, viewing him as a threat to his throne.

4. Ahimelech the Priest
- The priest who assisted David, unaware of the conflict between David and Saul, and was subsequently killed by Saul's order.

5. Nob
- The city of priests where Doeg's betrayal led to the slaughter of the priests.
Teaching Points
Trust in God, Not Wealth
The psalm warns against placing trust in material wealth or human strength. True security is found in God alone.

Consequences of Betrayal
Doeg's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of betrayal and the moral decay that comes from prioritizing personal gain over righteousness.

God as Refuge
Emphasize the importance of making God our refuge, especially in times of trouble, rather than relying on worldly resources or schemes.

Moral Integrity
Upholding integrity and righteousness is crucial, even when faced with opportunities for personal advancement through unethical means.

Eternal Perspective
Encourage believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporary, earthly gains, aligning with Jesus' teachings on treasures in heaven.Verse 7. - Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength. The root of Doeg's wickedness was want of trust in God, and consequent alienation from him. But trusted in the abundance of his riches. This led on to an excessive trust in riches, and greediness of gain. To obtain wealth he became Saul's unscrupulous tool, the willing instrument of his cruelty. No doubt Saul richly rewarded him. And strengthened himself in his wickedness; or, in his substance (Cheyne).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Look at
הִנֵּ֤ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

the man
הַגֶּ֗בֶר (hag·ge·ḇer)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1397: A valiant man, warrior, a person simply

who did not
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

make
יָשִׂ֥ים (yā·śîm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

God
אֱלֹהִ֗ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

his refuge,
מָֽע֫וּזּ֥וֹ (mā·‘ūz·zōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4581: A place or means of safety, protection

but trusted
וַ֭יִּבְטַח (way·yiḇ·ṭaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 982: To trust, be confident, sure

in the abundance
בְּרֹ֣ב (bə·rōḇ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7230: Multitude, abundance, greatness

of his wealth,
עָשְׁר֑וֹ (‘ā·šə·rōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6239: Wealth

who strengthened himself
יָ֝עֹ֗ז (yā·‘ōz)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5810: To be strong

by bringing destruction.”
בְּהַוָּתֽוֹ׃ (bə·haw·wā·ṯōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1942: Desire, chasm, destruction


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OT Poetry: Psalm 52:7 Behold this is the man who didn't (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 52:6
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