David warns against trusting deceptive words and reminds us that God is our true refuge.
“They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position; They delight in falsehood; They bless with their mouth, But inwardly they curse. Selah.” (v.4)
In this verse, the psalmist—traditionally attributed to David, who reigned as king of Israel around 1010-970 BC—laments the scheming of those who oppose him. Though David occupied a “high position” by virtue of his anointing, his enemies “delight in falsehood,” seeking to undermine him with hypocrisy and deceptive praise. The tension between outward blessing and inward cursing highlights how words spoken may not match the true posture of the heart, underscoring the psalmist’s need to rely on God’s protection rather than human words or flattery.
By drawing attention to duplicity, the psalmist also points to the deeper scriptural principle that God sees beyond mere appearances. Through much of David’s life, he faced betrayal—whether from foreign adversaries or even close associates—and Psalm 62:4 addresses the heartbreak of discovering such treachery. In this psalm, David models how to face slander and falsehood by entrusting oneself fully to the Lord, recognizing that human power and approval are fleeting compared to the Almighty’s permanent refuge.
These words connect to the broader theme of trusting in God alone. Though foes may collaborate to harm the faithful, God remains a secure fortress for those who seek Him. The psalmist’s candid description of outwardly pleasant yet inwardly deceptive speech underscores how essential it is to place ultimate confidence in the Lord rather than in human praise or alliances.
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Psalms 62:4 meaning
“They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position; They delight in falsehood; They bless with their mouth, But inwardly they curse. Selah.” (v.4)
In this verse, the psalmist—traditionally attributed to David, who reigned as king of Israel around 1010-970 BC—laments the scheming of those who oppose him. Though David occupied a “high position” by virtue of his anointing, his enemies “delight in falsehood,” seeking to undermine him with hypocrisy and deceptive praise. The tension between outward blessing and inward cursing highlights how words spoken may not match the true posture of the heart, underscoring the psalmist’s need to rely on God’s protection rather than human words or flattery.
By drawing attention to duplicity, the psalmist also points to the deeper scriptural principle that God sees beyond mere appearances. Through much of David’s life, he faced betrayal—whether from foreign adversaries or even close associates—and Psalm 62:4 addresses the heartbreak of discovering such treachery. In this psalm, David models how to face slander and falsehood by entrusting oneself fully to the Lord, recognizing that human power and approval are fleeting compared to the Almighty’s permanent refuge.
These words connect to the broader theme of trusting in God alone. Though foes may collaborate to harm the faithful, God remains a secure fortress for those who seek Him. The psalmist’s candid description of outwardly pleasant yet inwardly deceptive speech underscores how essential it is to place ultimate confidence in the Lord rather than in human praise or alliances.