What is the meaning of Psalm 62:10? Place no trust in extortion “Place no trust in extortion…” (Psalm 62:10a) • David warns against leaning on any method of gain that crushes or manipulates others. Such schemes promise quick power, yet God plainly forbids them (Exodus 22:22–24; Micah 2:1–3). • Extortion reveals a heart that worships self-advancement instead of the Lord. Jesus reminds us, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit himself?” (Luke 9:25). • God’s justice is sure: ill-gotten profit will be exposed and repaid (Proverbs 15:27; James 5:1–6). Or false hope in stolen goods “…or false hope in stolen goods.” (Psalm 62:10b) • Theft looks clever only for a moment; in reality it plants seeds of insecurity. God says the thief “hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him” (Proverbs 28:22). • Stolen possessions never provide the safety we crave. They carry guilt, fear of discovery, and God’s displeasure (Joshua 7:20–25; Jeremiah 17:11). • True security rests in the Lord alone: “The LORD is my rock and my salvation” (Psalm 62:6). Anything obtained outside His will becomes a snare. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them “If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.” (Psalm 62:10c) • God may permit honest wealth to grow (Deuteronomy 8:18; 1 Samuel 2:7). The warning is not against abundance itself, but against affection that clings to it. • Riches are uncertain; God is certain. Paul echoes David: “Instruct the rich… not to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God” (1 Timothy 6:17). • Practical safeguards: – Regular, generous giving (Proverbs 3:9; 2 Corinthians 9:7) – Contentment learned in every circumstance (Philippians 4:11–12) – Eternity-minded investments—“store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–21). summary Psalm 62:10 steers us away from three dead-end roads—extortion, theft, and misplaced confidence in wealth. Each path substitutes material power for trust in God. Scripture affirms that all gain outside His righteous provision brings sorrow, while any increase received from His hand must never capture our hearts. Real security, joy, and future hope stand firmly on the Lord alone. |
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