Dishonest motives and bribery inevitably undercut one’s relationship with God and others.
In this psalm attributed to David, who reigned as the second king of Israel from around 1010 BC to 970 BC, he declares in Psalm 26:“In whose hands is a wicked scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes” (v.10). By describing those with “wicked scheme” in their hands, he highlights the presence of unethical plots and emphasizes how carefully crafted these schemes can be, often hidden from casual observation. David distances himself from such behavior, seeking to remain blameless before God and avoid any hint of ill-gotten gain. He points to individuals who accumulate wealth or power through bribes, demonstrating how worldly gain can overshadow righteousness and devotion to the Lord (1 Timothy 6:10).
As the context of Psalm 26 reveals, David pleads for the Lord’s vindication, contrasting his integrity with the conduct of evildoers. The phrase “whose right hand is full of bribes” (v.10) underscores how human strength and influence can be corrupted by greed. In the broader biblical narrative, pursuing dishonest gain leads to spiritual decay, prompting believers to seek the cleansing and guiding presence of God. This message connects to the New Testament call for believers to draw near to God and purify their hearts (James 4:8). David’s reliance on the Lord’s righteousness rather than man’s cunning stands as a lesson for those who desire to walk in faithful obedience.
Set to dark mode
Psalms 26:10 meaning
In this psalm attributed to David, who reigned as the second king of Israel from around 1010 BC to 970 BC, he declares in Psalm 26: “In whose hands is a wicked scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes” (v.10). By describing those with “wicked scheme” in their hands, he highlights the presence of unethical plots and emphasizes how carefully crafted these schemes can be, often hidden from casual observation. David distances himself from such behavior, seeking to remain blameless before God and avoid any hint of ill-gotten gain. He points to individuals who accumulate wealth or power through bribes, demonstrating how worldly gain can overshadow righteousness and devotion to the Lord (1 Timothy 6:10).
As the context of Psalm 26 reveals, David pleads for the Lord’s vindication, contrasting his integrity with the conduct of evildoers. The phrase “whose right hand is full of bribes” (v.10) underscores how human strength and influence can be corrupted by greed. In the broader biblical narrative, pursuing dishonest gain leads to spiritual decay, prompting believers to seek the cleansing and guiding presence of God. This message connects to the New Testament call for believers to draw near to God and purify their hearts (James 4:8). David’s reliance on the Lord’s righteousness rather than man’s cunning stands as a lesson for those who desire to walk in faithful obedience.