Place no trust in extortion, or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. Place no trust in extortionThis phrase warns against relying on unethical means to gain wealth or power. Extortion, the act of obtaining something through force or threats, is condemned throughout Scripture. In the historical context of ancient Israel, leaders and individuals were often tempted to use their power unjustly. The Bible consistently calls for justice and righteousness, as seen in Micah 6:8, which emphasizes doing justice and loving kindness. The warning here aligns with the broader biblical theme that God detests dishonest gain (Proverbs 11:1). Isa 33:15-16 He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity,… or false hope in stolen goods. The phrase cautions against placing hope in wealth obtained through theft or deceit. In biblical times, theft was a serious offense, violating the commandment "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15). The cultural context of the ancient Near East placed a high value on community and trust, and stealing undermined these foundations. The Bible often contrasts the fleeting nature of ill-gotten gains with the enduring value of righteousness (Proverbs 10:2). This warning serves as a reminder that true security and hope come from God, not from material possessions. Pro 21:6 Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist,… If your riches increase, This phrase acknowledges the possibility of wealth accumulation, which is not inherently condemned in Scripture. However, it serves as a cautionary note. In the historical context, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing, yet the Bible also warns of the spiritual dangers associated with riches. Jesus' teachings in the New Testament, such as the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21), highlight the potential for wealth to distract from spiritual priorities. The increase of riches should be viewed as an opportunity for stewardship and generosity, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Psa 49:16-17 Do not be afraid when a man grows rich… do not set your heart upon them. This final phrase advises against allowing wealth to become the focus of one's affections or trust. The heart, in biblical terms, represents the center of one's being and desires. The warning here is consistent with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." The Bible encourages believers to set their hearts on things above (Colossians 3:2) and to trust in God rather than in uncertain riches. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that true contentment and security are found in a relationship with God, not in material wealth. Mat 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 62, David was the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. His life was marked by both triumphs and trials, providing a rich backdrop for his psalms. 2. Israel The nation to whom the psalm was originally addressed, often facing challenges related to wealth, power, and trust in God versus trust in material possessions. 3. Extortion and Stolen Goods These represent unethical means of gaining wealth, which are condemned in this verse. They serve as a warning against placing trust in ill-gotten gains. Teaching Points Trust in God, Not WealthWealth is temporary and unreliable. Our ultimate trust should be in God, who is eternal and unchanging. Ethical Living Pursue wealth through honest and ethical means. Ill-gotten gains lead to spiritual and often material ruin. Guard Your Heart As riches increase, be vigilant not to let them capture your heart. Our affections should be set on things above, not on earthly wealth. Contentment and Generosity Learn to be content with what you have and use any increase in wealth to bless others, reflecting God's generosity. Eternal Perspective Keep an eternal perspective, recognizing that material wealth is fleeting and that true riches are found in a relationship with God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Psalm 62:10 challenge our modern views on wealth and success?2. In what ways can we ensure that our trust remains in God rather than in material possessions, especially when our wealth increases? 3. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to gain something through unethical means. How does this verse speak to that situation? 4. How can we cultivate a heart that is content and generous, even in a culture that often equates success with material wealth? 5. What practical steps can you take to maintain an eternal perspective on wealth and possessions, as encouraged by other scriptures like Matthew 6:19-21 and 1 Timothy 6:17? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 11:28This verse warns that those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. It echoes the theme of misplaced trust in wealth. Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, emphasizing where one's heart should be. 1 Timothy 6:17 Paul advises the wealthy not to be arrogant or to put their hope in wealth, which is uncertain, but to put their hope in God.
People David, Jeduthun, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Confidence, Evil-doing, Extortion, Faith, Goods, Heart, Hope, Hopes, Increase, Increased, Increaseth, Oppression, Pride, Profits, Rewards, Riches, Robbery, Stolen, Thereon, Though, Trust, Vain, Vainly, Wealth, WronglyDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 62:10 5014 heart, human Library April 3. "My Expectation is from Him" (Ps. Lxii. 5). "My expectation is from Him" (Ps. lxii. 5). When we believe for a blessing, we must take the attitude of faith, and begin to act and pray as if we had our blessing. We must treat God as if He had given us our request. We must lean our weight over upon Him for the thing that we have claimed, and just take it for granted that He gives it, and is going to continue to give it. This is the attitude of trust. When the wife is married, she at once falls into a new attitude, and acts in accordance with the … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Waiting Only Upon God Justice. Forgiveness and Retribution. Waiting on God My High Tower Remembrance and Resolution. --Ps. Lxii. Thou Shalt not Steal. The Heart of Man and the Heart of God The Songs of the Fugitive. Nineteenth Day for the Holy Spirit on Christendom The Love of the Holy Spirit in Us. The Daily Walk with Others (ii. ). The Chorus of Angels The Unchangeableness of God But Concerning True Patience, Worthy of the Name of this virtue... Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis In Death and after Death Psalms Links Psalm 62:10 NIVPsalm 62:10 NLT Psalm 62:10 ESV Psalm 62:10 NASB Psalm 62:10 KJV Psalm 62:10 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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