Psalms 10:6

KJV

He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for [I shall] never [be] in adversity.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath said {H559} in his heart {H3820}, I shall not be moved {H4131}: for I shall never {H1755}{H1755} be in adversity {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In his heart he thinks, "I will never be shaken; I won't meet trouble, not now or ever."

Berean Standard Bible

He says to himself, “I will not be moved; from age to age I am free of distress.”

American Standard Version

He saith in his heart, I shall not be moved; To all generations I shall not be in adversity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 10:6 offers a stark portrayal of the wicked person's internal conviction and profound self-deception. It reveals their arrogant belief that they are utterly impervious to misfortune, divine judgment, or any form of adversity, rooted in a dangerous presumption of their own unassailable stability and prosperity. This verse exposes the hidden mindset that fuels their outward defiance and oppressive behavior, highlighting a fundamental rejection of God's sovereignty and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 10 stands as a fervent lament and prayer, often considered a continuation of Psalm 9 due to thematic and linguistic links, though it lacks a superscription. While Psalm 9 celebrates God's justice and ultimate triumph over the wicked, Psalm 10 plunges into the psalmist's present distress, observing the apparent prosperity and unchecked oppression perpetrated by the wicked. The psalmist cries out to God, questioning His seeming absence and inaction in the face of such evil. Verse 6 is particularly crucial as it provides a direct, chilling insight into the internal monologue of the wicked individual, revealing the deep-seated arrogance that underpins their outward actions described in preceding verses (e.g., their lying, deceit, and ambush of the innocent). This internal declaration of invincibility ("I shall not be moved") sets the stage for the psalmist's plea for divine intervention and justice against those who deny God's accountability.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms often reflect the social realities of ancient Israel, where the poor, the orphan, and the widow were particularly vulnerable to exploitation by the powerful and unscrupulous. In a society where justice was ideally administered by elders and judges, the absence of immediate retribution for the wicked could lead to a sense of impunity among oppressors. This historical backdrop illuminates why the psalmist laments God's apparent distance (cf. [Psalm 10:1](/psalms/10-1 "Psalm 10:1 - Why Do You Stand Far Off, O Lord?")). The wicked's boast in verse 6 is not merely abstract; it reflects a practical reality where their perceived success and lack of immediate consequence reinforce their self-delusion. Culturally, the "heart" (לֵב, _lev_) in ancient Hebrew thought was not merely the seat of emotion but the center of intellect, will, and moral decision-making. Thus, the wicked's declaration "in his heart" signifies a deeply ingrained conviction, a core belief system, rather than a fleeting thought or an empty boast.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 10:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Arrogance and Self-Deception**, portraying a wicked individual who is utterly convinced of their own strength and stability, believing themselves immune to any external force, especially divine retribution. This self-assurance is a profound delusion, contrasting sharply with the reality of God's ultimate sovereignty. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Rejection of Divine Accountability**. By asserting they "shall not be moved" and "never be in adversity," the wicked effectively deny God's role as judge and His capacity to intervene in human affairs. This mindset reflects a fundamental [lack of the fear of God](/psalms/36-1 "Psalm 36:1 - Transgression Speaks to the Wicked"), which the Bible consistently presents as the beginning of wisdom. Lastly, it exposes the theme of **False Security**. The wicked's confidence is built entirely on their own perceived power, prosperity, and lack of immediate consequence, not on God. This self-reliance is depicted as a dangerous illusion, standing in stark opposition to the [true stability and security found only in God](/psalms/62-2 "Psalm 62:2 - God Alone Is My Rock and My Salvation"), who is the unshakeable foundation for the righteous.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (לֵב, _lev_):** In Hebrew thought, the "heart" signifies the innermost being, encompassing intellect, will, emotions, and moral conscience. When the wicked says something "in his heart," it indicates a deeply held conviction, a settled belief, and a fundamental disposition that shapes their entire worldview and actions. It's not a casual thought but a core principle by which they operate.
* **Moved (מוּט, _mut_):** This verb means to totter, shake, slip, or be dislodged from one's position. It implies instability or the threat of falling. The wicked's declaration "I shall not be moved" expresses an absolute confidence in their unshakeable stability, their permanent establishment, and their immunity to any force that might cause them to stumble or fall, particularly divine judgment or misfortune.
* **Adversity (רָעָה, _ra'ah_):** This broad Hebrew term refers to evil, trouble, calamity, misfortune, or distress. It encompasses a wide range of negative experiences, from personal suffering to societal upheaval. The wicked's assertion that they "shall never be in adversity" reveals a profound spiritual blindness and a denial of the universal human experience of suffering, as well as a rejection of the possibility of divine retribution for their actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath said in his heart":** This phrase immediately draws the reader into the inner world of the wicked. It's not an external boast or a public declaration, but a deeply ingrained, private conviction. This internal monologue reveals the root of their outward arrogance and oppressive behavior – a self-deceptive belief system that validates their actions and dismisses accountability.
* **"I shall not be moved":** This is the core of the wicked's self-assurance. It signifies an absolute confidence in their own stability, invincibility, and permanence. They believe they are firmly established, beyond the reach of any force that could dislodge them from their position of power, wealth, or influence. This implies a rejection of God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in their lives.
* **"for [I shall] never [be] in adversity":** This clause provides the reason for their unshakeable confidence. Their conviction that they will never experience trouble, calamity, or misfortune reinforces their belief in their own invincibility. It highlights their profound spiritual blindness, as they fail to acknowledge the reality of human vulnerability or the certainty of divine justice, believing their prosperity and comfort are eternal and unassailable.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 10:6 employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Discourse** or **Internal Monologue**, as the psalmist grants the reader direct access to the wicked person's private thoughts. This technique makes the wicked's arrogance more visceral and chilling, revealing the depth of their self-deception rather than merely describing their outward actions. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; the wicked declares themselves "unmoved" and immune to "adversity," yet the very context of the Psalm is a lament calling for God's intervention against them, implying their ultimate downfall is inevitable. This creates a dramatic tension between the wicked's delusion and God's sovereign reality. Furthermore, **Contrast** is implicitly at play, juxtaposing the wicked's false security and self-reliance with the psalmist's (and the righteous's) true security found only in trusting God, who is the true, unshakeable Rock.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse vividly illustrates the biblical theme of human pride and self-sufficiency, portraying a heart so hardened by perceived success that it denies the very existence of divine judgment or the possibility of misfortune. The wicked's internal boast is a direct affront to God's sovereignty and justice, embodying the essence of rebellion against the Creator. It highlights the dangerous delusion that can arise when temporary prosperity is mistaken for permanent security, leading individuals to believe they are above accountability. Theologically, it underscores the truth that true stability and security are found not in self-reliance or worldly success, but in humble submission to and trust in God, who alone is the immovable foundation. While the wicked may flourish for a season, their path is ultimately precarious, and their end is certain.

* [Psalm 73:18](/psalms/73-18 "Psalm 73:18 - The Wicked on Slippery Places")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 10:6 serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to examine the hidden corners of our own hearts. It warns against the insidious nature of spiritual pride and the false security that can stem from our own perceived strength, wealth, or accomplishments. The wicked's delusion reminds us that true stability is never found in self-sufficiency but only in humble dependence on God. This verse challenges us to consider where we place our ultimate trust: Is our confidence rooted in our own abilities, resources, or lack of immediate troubles, or is it firmly anchored in the unchanging character and unfailing promises of God? Recognizing that even the most seemingly secure human foundations can be shaken, we are called to cultivate a spirit of humility, acknowledging God's sovereignty over all circumstances, both favorable and adverse. It encourages us to live with an awareness of divine accountability, knowing that God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is always certain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the primary source of my confidence and security in life? Is it in my own achievements, resources, or external circumstances, or solely in God?**
* **In what ways might I, subtly or overtly, harbor a "heart" attitude that believes I am immune to certain difficulties or consequences?**
* **How does this verse challenge my perspective on the prosperity of the wicked or the adversity faced by the righteous in the world today?**

### FAQ

**Q: Why does the psalmist emphasize that the wicked "said in his heart" rather than openly boasting?**

Answer: The emphasis on what the wicked "said in his heart" is crucial because it reveals the deep-seated, internal nature of their arrogance and self-deception. It's not merely an outward boast, which might be dismissed as bravado, but a fundamental conviction that shapes their entire worldview and behavior. This internal declaration signifies a settled belief system where they have convinced themselves of their own invincibility and immunity to divine judgment. It highlights that their rebellion against God is not just in their actions, but originates from a core disposition of their inner being, as the heart in biblical thought is the seat of intellect, will, and moral choice. This internal state is often more dangerous because it's hidden and can lead to profound spiritual blindness, as seen in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart").

**Q: Does this verse imply that God always immediately punishes the wicked?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply immediate punishment. In fact, the very context of Psalm 10 is a lament where the psalmist is crying out precisely because the wicked *are* prospering and seem to be getting away with their oppression without immediate consequence (cf. [Psalm 10:1-5](/psalms/10-1 "Psalm 10:1-5 - The Wicked's Arrogance")). The wicked's declaration in verse 6, "I shall never be in adversity," is their *delusion*, born from their current experience of unhindered success. The Psalms, particularly [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked"), wrestle deeply with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, ultimately concluding that while the wicked may flourish for a time, their end is destruction. God's timing for justice is not always immediate, aligning with human expectations, but it is always certain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 10:6, with its depiction of the wicked's self-deceptive boast of unshakeable security, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between humanity's fallen pride and Christ's perfect humility, and between false human foundations and the true, eternal rock that is Jesus. The wicked's claim, "I shall not be moved," embodies the essence of humanity's rebellion and self-reliance, a spiritual posture that ultimately leads to ruin, as seen in Jesus' parable of the foolish builder who built his house on sand, leading to its great fall when the storms came ([Matthew 7:26-27](/matthew/7-26 "Matthew 7:26-27 - Building on Sand")). In contrast, Christ is the one who, though "moved" to suffering and death on the cross for our sins ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")), was utterly "unmoved" by the power of death itself, triumphing over it in His resurrection ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up, Loosing the Pangs of Death")). He is the true and only foundation upon whom a life can be built that "shall not be moved" ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - No Other Foundation")). Those who place their faith in Him find their security not in their own strength or prosperity, but in His finished work and His eternal kingdom, which "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). Christ's life, death, and resurrection perfectly expose the wicked's delusion and provide the ultimate answer to the problem of human pride and the need for a true, unshakeable hope.

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

Matthew 24:48

But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;

Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

Isaiah 56:12

Come ye, [say they], I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, [and] much more abundant.

Psalms 15:5

[He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.

Nahum 1:10

For while [they be] folden together [as] thorns, and while they are drunken [as] drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry.

Psalms 30:6

¶ And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

Psalms 14:1

¶ 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.