Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.

PSALMS 14:6KJV
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Psalms 14:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 14:6 mean?

Psalms 14:6 says that those who look down on or mock the advice and hopes of poor people are doing so because the poor trust in the LORD as their safe place. The verse highlights a contrast between people who scorn the vulnerable and the faith that the vulnerable have in God as their protector.

The psalm is written by David, speaking about people who act wickedly and disregard God. In this verse, David points out that the poor are often shamed or dismissed by others, not because of anything wrong they have done, but because their confidence is in the LORD. The verse sets up a picture of trust: while some rely on their own strength or mock those with little, the poor find their security in God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 14:6

  • "shamed" (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word means to put to shame or humiliate. Here, it shows that the poor are not just ignored but actively disgraced or belittled by others.
  • "counsel" (עֵצָה, etsah): This word refers to advice, plans, or hopes. The verse suggests that the poor have their own wisdom or hopes, which others treat with contempt.
  • "poor" (עָנִי, ani): This word often means someone who is afflicted, humble, or oppressed, not just financially poor. It highlights vulnerability and dependence.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a covenant relationship.
  • "refuge" (מַחֲסֶה, machaseh): This means a shelter or safe place. The verse stresses that the poor look to God as their ultimate safety, even when others mock them for it.

Why Psalms 14:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the shame directed at the poor is not about their character or choices, but about their trust in God, which others do not understand or respect.
  • It highlights a theme running through the psalm: the difference between those who ignore God and those who rely on Him, especially among the vulnerable.
  • The verse connects to the wider message of Psalms 14, which contrasts human arrogance and godlessness with humble faith in God as a refuge.

Where else these words appear

“refuge” Hebrew H4268 · used in 20 verses

  • Job 24:8 They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.
  • Psalms 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
  • Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

“poor” Hebrew H6041 · used in 78 verses

  • Exodus 22:25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
  • Psalms 35:10 All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
  • Ecclesiastes 6:8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?

“counsel” Hebrew H6098 · used in 85 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
  • Job 21:16 Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
  • Isaiah 14:26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

“shamed” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.