Psalms 10:5

KJV

His ways are always grievous; thy judgments [are] far above out of his sight: [as for] all his enemies, he puffeth at them.

KJV (with Strong's)

His ways {H1870} are always {H6256} grievous {H2342}; thy judgments {H4941} are far above {H4791} out of his sight: as for all his enemies {H6887}, he puffeth {H6315} at them.

Complete Jewish Bible

His ways prosper at all times. Your judgments are way up there, so he takes no notice. His adversaries? He scoffs at them all.

Berean Standard Bible

He is secure in his ways at all times; Your lofty judgments are far from him; he sneers at all his foes.

American Standard Version

His ways are firm at all times; Thy judgments are far above out of his sight: As for all his adversaries, he puffeth at them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 10:5 vividly portrays the character and mindset of the wicked, depicting an individual whose actions consistently cause harm and distress, yet who remains utterly oblivious or dismissive of divine justice. This verse highlights a profound spiritual blindness, where God's judgments are considered irrelevant, and a deep-seated contempt for any perceived opposition, especially the vulnerable or righteous, is openly expressed. It underscores the psalmist's lament over the apparent impunity of the wicked and their arrogant self-assurance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 10 is a passionate lament, a desperate cry from the psalmist to God concerning the pervasive evil and oppression in society. It immediately follows Psalm 9, which celebrates God's righteous judgment and ultimate triumph over the wicked. Psalm 10, however, shifts focus to the present reality of the wicked's apparent success and God's seeming inaction or hiddenness (e.g., [Psalm 10:1](/psalms/10-1 "Psalm 10:1 - Why Do You Stand Far Off?")). The verses preceding Psalm 10:5 describe the wicked's arrogant boasting, their self-sufficiency, and their explicit denial of God's existence or intervention, as seen in [Psalm 10:4](/psalms/10-4 "Psalm 10:4 - The Wicked's Arrogance and Disregard for God"), where the wicked thinks, "There is no God." Verse 5 continues this detailed characterization, illustrating the practical outworking of such a godless worldview in their actions and attitudes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalms 10 does not refer to a specific historical event, it reflects the common experience of injustice and oppression prevalent in ancient Near Eastern societies, where the powerful often exploited the weak. The psalmist's lament is a universal cry of the marginalized and vulnerable seeking divine intervention against those who abuse their power. In a culture where justice was often administered by human authorities, the absence of accountability for the wicked would have been particularly grievous. The concept of "judgments" (Hebrew: *mishpatim*) encompassed not only legal rulings but also God's moral order and providential acts of justice in the world. The wicked's disregard for these judgments signifies a rejection of the very fabric of a divinely ordered society, operating instead on principles of self-interest and might.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 10:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the stark contrast between [the wicked and the righteous](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Two Ways"). The verse highlights the **arrogance and self-deception** of the wicked, who perceive their harmful actions as successful or unhindered, embodying a profound spiritual blindness. This leads directly to the theme of **disregard for divine justice**, as the wicked operate under the delusion that God either does not see their deeds or will not intervene, fostering a dangerous sense of impunity. Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates the **contempt for others**, particularly the vulnerable or those who might represent righteousness, revealing the wicked's disdain and dismissive attitude towards anyone who stands in their way. These themes collectively underscore the psalmist's plea for God to act and restore justice, reinforcing the biblical truth that true prosperity is found in righteousness, not in exploitation or defiance of God's commands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grievous (Hebrew, _ḥîlû'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to writhe, travail, be in pain," is complex. While KJV translates it as "grievous," implying that the wicked's ways cause pain and distress to others, it can also carry the nuance of "firm," "strong," or "successful" in their own eyes. Thus, "His ways are always grievous" suggests a dual reality: the wicked's path is indeed oppressive and harmful to others, yet in their own deluded perception, it is a path of unhindered progress and strength, free from any moral or divine impediment. They are "firm" in their evil.
* **Puffeth (Hebrew, _yāp̄îaḥ'_):** From the root *nāp̄aḥ*, meaning "to blow, breathe, puff," this word powerfully conveys scorn, contempt, and dismissal. It is an onomatopoeic term that evokes the sound of a snort or a dismissive breath, as if blowing away something insignificant. The wicked man views his enemies, or anyone who might oppose him or represent a threat to his self-serving agenda, as mere trifles to be effortlessly brushed aside or ridiculed. It signifies a profound lack of respect and an arrogant sense of superiority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His ways are always grievous":** This clause describes the consistent and inherent nature of the wicked's actions. Their chosen paths are not merely occasionally harmful but are fundamentally characterized by causing pain, oppression, and distress to others. The term "always" emphasizes the habitual and unrepentant nature of their wickedness, indicating a settled disposition towards evil rather than isolated transgressions.
* **"thy judgments [are] far above out of his sight":** This phrase reveals the core of the wicked's spiritual blindness and moral depravity. They are not merely unaware of God's judgments (His moral laws, His acts of justice, His coming retribution) but actively disregard or willfully ignore them. The imagery of "far above out of his sight" suggests that God's standards and ultimate accountability are so distant from their worldview that they effectively do not exist for them, fostering a dangerous illusion of impunity.
* **"as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them":** This final clause illustrates the wicked's contemptuous attitude towards anyone who stands in their way. "His enemies" include not only those who actively oppose him but also the vulnerable, the righteous, or anyone who might challenge his self-serving agenda. The act of "puffing" is a gesture of utter disdain, a dismissive snort or breath, signifying that he considers them insignificant, easily overcome, and unworthy of serious consideration or respect.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 10:5 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. **Irony** is prominent, as the wicked's "grievous" ways, which cause pain to others, are perceived by the wicked themselves as successful and unhindered. There is a tragic disconnect between their self-perception and the reality of their destructive impact. **Hyperbole** is used in phrases like "always grievous" and "far above out of his sight," emphasizing the extreme and pervasive nature of the wicked's depravity and spiritual blindness. The most striking device is **Imagery**, particularly in "he puffeth at them." This vivid, almost onomatopoeic image of a dismissive snort or breath powerfully conveys the wicked's arrogant contempt and utter disdain for those they deem inferior or obstructive. This concrete action allows the reader to viscerally understand the wicked's dismissive attitude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 10:5 offers profound theological insights into the nature of evil, divine justice, and human accountability. It highlights the perilous state of spiritual blindness where individuals willfully ignore God's moral order and the certainty of His eventual judgment. This verse underscores the biblical truth that while God may seem silent or distant to the wicked, His judgments are not absent but merely unperceived by those who refuse to acknowledge Him. It speaks to the tension between the apparent prosperity of the wicked in the present age and the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness. The psalmist's lament implicitly affirms God's sovereignty and the eventual vindication of the righteous, even when justice seems delayed.

* [Psalm 73:3-12](/psalms/73-3 "Psalm 73:3-12 - The Prosperity of the Wicked and Their End")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - God Gives Them Over to a Reprobate Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 10:5 serves as both a sobering warning and a source of comfort. It warns against the insidious nature of spiritual arrogance, where self-interest and a disregard for God lead to a dangerous delusion of impunity. True prosperity is not found in exploiting others or ignoring divine commands, but in walking in righteousness and humility, acknowledging God's ever-present gaze and ultimate authority. For those who feel oppressed, overlooked, or scorned by the wicked, this verse, within the broader context of Psalm 10, offers a profound comfort. Though the wicked may seem to triumph and God's judgments appear "far above out of his sight," the psalmist's heartfelt plea for divine intervention ultimately affirms an unwavering faith in God's eventual justice. God's judgment is not absent; it is simply not perceived by those who refuse to acknowledge Him. The verse reminds us that while the wicked may "puff" in contempt, their haughtiness is ultimately futile against the immutable justice of God, who hears the cry of the afflicted.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be tempted to act as if God's judgments are "far above out of sight" in our daily lives?**
* **How does the "puffing" of the wicked resonate with contemporary expressions of contempt or dismissal towards others, particularly the vulnerable?**
* **How can I maintain faith in God's justice when the wicked seem to prosper and operate with impunity?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is sensitive to God's judgments and compassionate towards those who are oppressed?**

### FAQ

**What does "grievous" mean in the context of "His ways are always grievous"?**

Answer: In Psalms 10:5, "grievous" (Hebrew: *ḥîlû'*) carries a dual meaning. On one hand, it describes the *effect* of the wicked's actions: they are painful, oppressive, and harmful to others, causing distress and suffering. On the other hand, it can also imply that in the wicked person's own perception, their ways are "firm," "strong," or "successful." They believe their chosen path, though causing pain to others, is effective and unhindered, leading to their own prosperity and power. Thus, their ways are both objectively harmful and subjectively perceived as advantageous.

**Why are God's judgments "far above out of his sight"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the profound spiritual blindness and willful ignorance of the wicked. It does not mean God's judgments are literally distant or non-existent, but rather that the wicked have deliberately removed them from their consideration. They do not acknowledge God's moral law, His justice, or the certainty of His future retribution. This mindset allows them to live as if God does not see their deeds, or if He does, He will not act, fostering a false sense of impunity and enabling their continued wickedness without fear of accountability. It's a chosen rejection of divine truth and authority.

**What does "he puffeth at them" signify?**

Answer: The phrase "he puffeth at them" is a vivid, onomatopoeic image signifying profound contempt, scorn, and dismissal. The wicked person views their "enemies" (which include anyone who might oppose them, the righteous, or the vulnerable) as utterly insignificant. The act of "puffing" or snorting suggests blowing away a trivial obstacle, a gesture of absolute disdain and superiority. It illustrates the wicked's arrogant belief that they are untouchable and that their opposition is easily brushed aside, unworthy of serious consideration or respect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 10:5, with its portrayal of the wicked's arrogance, disregard for divine judgment, and contempt for their adversaries, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "grievous ways" of humanity, characterized by sin and rebellion against God, culminated in the rejection and crucifixion of the Son of God. Jesus Himself experienced the ultimate "puffing" and scorn from those who, in their spiritual blindness, considered God's judgments "far above out of their sight." The religious and political leaders of His day, operating from a place of self-righteousness and contempt, mocked Him, spat on Him, and dismissed Him as a criminal ([Matthew 27:39](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39 - Mocking Jesus on the Cross"); [Mark 15:29](/mark/15-29 "Mark 15:29 - Mocking at the Cross")). Yet, in Christ's suffering and death, God's ultimate judgment against sin was perfectly executed, and His perfect justice was revealed. The resurrection of Jesus powerfully demonstrated that God's judgments are not "far above out of sight" but are decisively enacted, vindicating the righteous and exposing the futility of the wicked's arrogance. Through His humility and obedience unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")), Christ stands in stark contrast to the wicked described in Psalms 10:5, offering the true path to righteousness and demonstrating that God's ultimate authority and justice will prevail over all human pride and contempt ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 26:11

LORD, [when] thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: [but] they shall see, and be ashamed for [their] envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

Psalms 12:5

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set [him] in safety [from him that] puffeth at him.

Psalms 92:5

O LORD, how great are thy works! [and] thy thoughts are very deep.

Psalms 92:6

A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.

Isaiah 42:25

Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid [it] not to heart.

Proverbs 2:15

Whose ways [are] crooked, and [they] froward in their paths:

2 Samuel 5:6

¶ And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.