Psalms 62:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 62:10 mean?

Psalms 62:10 warns readers not to put their trust in gaining wealth through unjust means like oppression or robbery, and not to let their hearts become attached to riches even if they grow. The verse urges people to avoid relying on dishonest gain and to keep their desires from being captured by material wealth.

King David is speaking in this psalm, addressing those who might be tempted to seek security or satisfaction through wealth, especially when it is gained wrongly. The verse fits into a larger passage where David encourages trusting in God alone, not in human schemes or possessions, and highlights the emptiness of building life on anything but God’s faithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 62:10

• "Trust" (בָּטַח, batach) here means to rely on or feel secure in something. The verse uses it negatively, warning not to find security in oppression.
• "Oppression" (עֹשֶׁק, osheq) refers to gaining by exploiting or mistreating others. The verse singles this out as a false foundation for trust.
• "Vain" (הֶבֶל, hebel) is often used for something empty or meaningless. It points to the futility of thinking robbery can bring lasting satisfaction.
• "Set" (שִׁית, shith) means to place or fix something, in this case, the heart. The verse warns not to let your heart become fixed on wealth, even if it increases.

Why Psalms 62:10 matters

• Psalms 62:10 corrects the common idea that wealth, especially if easily gained, can provide real security or happiness.
• The verse emphasizes that the problem is not just in how wealth is gained, but also in the attitude toward it—even honest riches can capture the heart if not kept in perspective.
• By connecting to the rest of Psalm 62, this verse highlights a contrast between trusting in God and trusting in material things, sharpening the psalm’s overall message about where true security lies.