His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.

PSALMS 10:5KJV
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Psalms 10:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 10:5 mean?

Psalms 10:5 describes how the wicked person’s actions are always troubling or harmful, and God’s judgments are so far above him that he does not even notice them; when it comes to his enemies, he acts arrogantly and dismissively. The verse paints a picture of someone who feels untouchable and disregards both God’s justice and other people.

The psalmist, speaking to God about the wicked, is describing a person who seems to get away with wrongdoing. The wicked person’s “ways” are consistently harmful, and he is blind to God’s higher standards or justice. When facing opposition, he simply “puffs” at his enemies, showing contempt and a sense of superiority, which highlights his arrogance and lack of fear of consequences.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 10:5

  • “ways” (דֶּרֶךְ, derek): This word refers to a person’s manner of life or behavior. Here, it emphasizes that the wicked person’s entire lifestyle is marked by trouble or harm.
  • “grievous” (חִיל, chil): Often means to writhe or be in pain, but here it is used to describe actions that are troubling or cause suffering. This adds a sense of ongoing harm in the wicked person’s behavior.
  • “judgments” (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): Refers to God’s decisions or standards of justice. The verse says these are “far above” (מָרוֹם, marom), meaning out of reach or awareness for the wicked, showing his disconnection from God’s justice.
  • “puffeth” (פָּחַר, pachar): This word means to snort or blow air, like showing disdain or contempt. It paints a vivid picture of the wicked person’s arrogant attitude toward his enemies.

Why Psalms 10:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the wicked person’s problem is not just his actions, but his attitude—he is both harmful and dismissive of God’s justice.
  • The verse highlights the distance between God’s standards and the mindset of the wicked, showing that the wicked are not even aware of or concerned with God’s judgments.
  • In the context of the psalm, this verse helps explain the frustration of the righteous when they see evil people prospering and acting arrogantly without immediate consequences.

Where else these words appear

“puffeth” Hebrew H6315 · used in 14 verses

  • Psalms 12:5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.
  • Proverbs 14:25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
  • Song of Solomon 2:17 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether.

“above” Hebrew H4791 · used in 52 verses

  • Judges 5:18 Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.
  • Psalms 93:4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
  • Isaiah 37:24 By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, and the forest of his Carmel.

“enemies” Hebrew H6887 · used in 56 verses

  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:28 If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:
  • Psalms 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

“grievous” Hebrew H2342 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 8:10 And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;
  • Psalms 29:9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.
  • Isaiah 51:2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.