Psalms 10:4

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts.

The wicked {H7563}, through the pride {H1363} of his countenance {H639}, will not seek {H1875} after God: God {H430} is not in all his thoughts {H4209}.

Every scheme of the wicked in his arrogance [says], "There is no God, [so] it won't be held against me."

In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God.

The wicked, in the pride of his countenance, saith, He will not requireit. All his thoughts are, There is no God.

Commentary

Psalms 10:4 vividly describes the character and mindset of the ungodly, portraying them as those who actively exclude God from their lives and plans. This verse is a poignant observation on the spiritual state of those who live without divine consideration.

Context

Psalm 10 is a lament, a heartfelt cry to God, describing the oppression inflicted by the wicked and pleading for divine intervention. The psalmist observes the unrighteousness prevalent in society and expresses confusion and distress over God's apparent silence or distance. This particular verse, Psalms 10:4, serves as a foundational diagnosis of the wicked's behavior, explaining why they act as they do: because God is absent from their worldview and intentions.

Key Themes

  • Arrogance and Self-Sufficiency: The phrase "pride of his countenance" points to an outward display of haughtiness and self-reliance. This pride blinds the wicked to their need for God, leading them to believe they are masters of their own destiny, rejecting any notion of divine authority.
  • Deliberate Rejection of God: "Will not seek after God" indicates an intentional refusal or indifference towards spiritual matters. It's not merely ignorance but a conscious decision to disregard the divine, often rooted in their self-exaltation.
  • Practical Atheism: "God is not in all his thoughts" describes a life lived as if God does not exist or is irrelevant. While not necessarily an intellectual denial of God's existence, it is a practical exclusion of Him from their daily considerations, schemes, and ambitions. This concept echoes Psalm 14:1, where "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God."

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "pride of his countenance" translates the Hebrew `ga'on` (ื’ึผึธืื•ึนืŸ), which denotes majesty, excellency, or arrogance. Here, it refers to an overbearing haughtiness that manifests outwardly; the wicked's very demeanor reflects their inflated self-importance and defiance. The latter part, "God is not in all his thoughts," uses the Hebrew `kol mazemotav` (ื›ึผึธืœึพืžึทื–ึฐืžึนืชึธื™ื•), meaning "all his schemes" or "all his plans." This suggests that God is not merely forgotten in some thoughts but is actively excluded from all their designs and intentions. Their entire worldview and decision-making process are devoid of divine consideration and accountability.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful mirror for self-reflection. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and minds:

  • Humility vs. Pride: Do we allow pride to dictate our actions, or do we humble ourselves before God? The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of pride, stating that "pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
  • Seeking God Continually: Are our thoughts filled with God, His will, and His ways? True faith involves actively seeking God with all our heart, inviting Him into every aspect of our lives, from our daily tasks to our long-term plans.
  • Consequences of Godlessness: The verse highlights the spiritual barrenness and moral decay that result when God is systematically excluded from one's life. A life without God in its thoughts lacks a true moral compass and ultimate purpose, often leading to destructive behaviors.

Ultimately, Psalms 10:4 calls us to a life of conscious dependence on God, where His presence and will permeate our every thought and action, contrasting sharply with the self-centered arrogance of the wicked.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 14:1

    ยถ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David. The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none that doeth good.

  • Psalms 14:2

    The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, [and] seek God.

  • Acts 8:22

    Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

  • Romans 1:28

    And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

  • Genesis 6:5

    And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually.

  • Romans 1:21

    Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

  • Deuteronomy 8:14

    Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;