Psalms 14:6

KJV

Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD [is] his refuge.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye have shamed {H954} the counsel {H6098} of the poor {H6041}, because the LORD {H3068} is his refuge {H4268}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You may mock the plans of the poor, but their refuge is ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

You sinners frustrate the plans of the oppressed, yet the LORD is their shelter.

American Standard Version

Ye put to shame the counsel of the poor, Because Jehovah is his refuge.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 14:6 starkly contrasts the worldview of the wicked with the steadfast faith of the righteous, often referred to as "the poor" or "the afflicted." It reveals the contempt and ridicule shown by those who deny God towards those who find their hope, wisdom, and security solely in Him. Despite this scorn, the verse powerfully affirms that the Lord Himself is the unwavering refuge of the humble, underscoring the profound difference between worldly folly and divine wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 14 is a wisdom psalm, a lament, and a strong indictment against the "fool" who declares, "There is no God" ([Psalms 14:1](/psalms/14-1 "Psalm 14:1 - The Fool's Denial of God")). The psalm paints a grim picture of widespread human corruption and the pervasive evil of those who oppress the righteous. Verse 6 serves as a pivotal point, directly addressing how these godless individuals mock or dismiss the very foundation of the righteous's hope—their trust in the Lord. It sets up the psalm's concluding cry for the salvation of Israel, emphasizing the ultimate vindication of those who rely on God, despite present scorn. The preceding verses detail the universal depravity and the wicked's devouring of God's people ([Psalms 14:2-4](/psalms/14-2 "Psalm 14:2-4 - God Looks Down on Humanity's Corruption")), making the wicked's contempt for the poor's "counsel" a natural extension of their godless nature.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The term "poor" (Hebrew: *'ani*) in the Psalms often refers not merely to economic destitution but, more profoundly, to the humble, the afflicted, the oppressed, or the pious who are marginalized and depend entirely on God for deliverance. In ancient Israel, social structures often allowed the powerful to exploit the vulnerable, making the concept of divine protection, or "refuge" (Hebrew: *machseh*), profoundly significant. Without robust social safety nets, God was understood as the ultimate protector and advocate for the defenseless. The "counsel" of the poor, therefore, represents their life-guiding wisdom rooted in faith, which would have been seen as naive or foolish by the self-sufficient and powerful of the day.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Psalm 14 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights **The Scorn of the Wicked**, demonstrating the arrogance of those who reject God. They "shame the counsel of the poor," meaning they ridicule the wisdom, hope, and fundamental reliance of the righteous upon God, perceiving such faith as weakness or absurdity. Secondly, it powerfully affirms **God as the True Refuge**, asserting that despite the mockery, the LORD truly *is* the secure haven for the poor and oppressed. This divine protection is the very bedrock of their steadfastness, a truth the wicked fail to comprehend. Finally, implicit in this stark contrast is the theme of the **Vindication of the Righteous**. While they may endure shame and oppression from the world, their ultimate security rests in an unshakable divine foundation, foreshadowing the ultimate triumph of God's people, as anticipated in [Psalms 14:7](/psalms/14-7 "Psalm 14:7 - The Salvation of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shamed (Hebrew, _bosh_):** This verb signifies to put to shame, humiliate, disgrace, or disappoint. In this context, it describes the wicked's active attempt to invalidate, ridicule, or make contemptible the very foundation of the poor's trust and way of life. It implies a deliberate act of scorn, aiming to undermine the confidence of those who rely on God.
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _'etsah_):** More than mere advice, this term encompasses purpose, plan, wisdom, or the fundamental outlook and guiding principles of one's life. The wicked are not just shaming a suggestion but the entire worldview and reliance of the poor on God's divine plan, protection, and wisdom. It is their very *reason for being* that is being ridiculed.
* **Poor (Hebrew, _'ani_):** This term frequently describes the afflicted, humble, oppressed, or needy, often with a strong spiritual connotation. It refers to those who are lowly, vulnerable, and depend solely on God for deliverance and sustenance, emphasizing their spiritual posture of humility and reliance rather than exclusively economic status.
* **Refuge (Hebrew, _machseh_):** This is a potent noun denoting a shelter, a place of protection, a stronghold, or a haven. It emphasizes God's active role as a secure, impenetrable dwelling place for those who seek Him, providing safety and security amidst the storms of life and the attacks of the wicked.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor":** This clause directly addresses the wicked, accusing them of ridiculing and attempting to invalidate the core beliefs, wisdom, and life-guiding principles of the humble and afflicted. The "counsel" of the poor is their trust in God, their patient endurance, and their hope in divine intervention, which the wicked dismiss as foolishness or weakness, failing to grasp its profound spiritual depth and ultimate security.
* **"because the LORD [is] his refuge":** This clause provides the foundational reason for both the wicked's scorn and the poor's steadfastness. The poor find their ultimate security, protection, and hope in God alone. This divine refuge is precisely what the wicked cannot comprehend or accept, as it stands in stark contrast to their self-reliance and denial of God. Their shaming is a reaction to a truth that challenges their godless worldview.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Psalms 14:6 is **Contrast**, which is central to the entire psalm. The verse starkly juxtaposes the actions and worldview of the wicked ("Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor") with the unwavering reality of God's protective presence for the righteous ("because the LORD is his refuge"). This creates a powerful tension, highlighting the spiritual chasm between those who deny God and those who depend on Him. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony**: the wicked attempt to shame what is, in truth, the most profound wisdom and secure foundation (trust in God), while their own path, which they deem wise, is ultimately revealed as folly, as established in [Psalms 14:1](/psalms/14-1 "Psalm 14:1 - The Fool's Denial of God"). Finally, the term "refuge" functions as a potent **Metaphor** for God's protective nature, portraying Him as a secure, unassailable shelter for His people, a place of safety from the storms of life and the attacks of adversaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 14:6 powerfully articulates the biblical theme of God's unwavering care for the oppressed and marginalized, contrasting it with the world's disdain for faith. It underscores that true wisdom and security are found not in human schemes or self-sufficiency, but in humble reliance on the Almighty. The "counsel of the poor" represents a divine wisdom that appears foolish to the world, yet it is the very path to life and ultimate vindication. This verse assures believers that even when their faith is ridiculed or their hope seems naive to others, their foundation in God remains unshakable, a truth that transcends temporary scorn and promises eternal security.

* [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Foolish")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 14:6 offers timeless encouragement and profound insight for believers navigating a world often hostile to faith. If you find yourself facing ridicule, dismissal, or scorn for your trust in God, remember that your reliance on Him is not foolishness but the truest wisdom. The world often scorns what it cannot comprehend or control, especially a faith that finds strength in vulnerability and security in a divine, unseen refuge. This verse calls us to steadfastness, reminding us that no matter how dire circumstances appear or how much others mock our dependence on God, He remains our unshakeable refuge and strength. It also challenges us to critically evaluate the "counsel" we embrace—is it the fleeting wisdom of the world, or the enduring, life-giving wisdom that flows from a deep, humble trust in God? Our security is not found in human approval or material wealth, but in the Almighty God, who delights to be the refuge of the poor in spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when your faith or reliance on God is met with ridicule or dismissal?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek security in worldly "counsel" rather than in God as your refuge?**
* **How does the world's perception of "wisdom" often contrast with God's wisdom, and how does this verse speak to that tension?**
* **What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in God as your ultimate refuge, even when facing scorn?**

### FAQ

**Who are "the poor" in this psalm, and why is their "counsel" shamed?**

Answer: In the context of the Psalms, "the poor" (Hebrew: *'ani*) often refers to more than just those who are economically destitute. It encompasses the humble, the afflicted, the oppressed, and, crucially, those who are pious and dependent on God. They are the ones who acknowledge their vulnerability and rely solely on divine provision and protection. Their "counsel" is not merely advice but their entire worldview, their life's guiding principle, which is rooted in trust in God. This counsel is "shamed" by the wicked because it challenges their self-sufficiency and denial of God. To the "fool" who says "there is no God" ([Psalms 14:1](/psalms/14-1 "Psalm 14:1 - The Fool's Denial of God")), the poor's reliance on an unseen God appears weak, foolish, or even absurd, thus inviting their scorn and ridicule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 14:6 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "poor" of the psalm, those who are humble, afflicted, and dependent on God, are a type of those who would later recognize and receive Jesus, the ultimate refuge. Jesus Himself identified with the poor and marginalized, declaring blessings upon the "poor in spirit" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")) and inviting all who are weary and heavy-laden to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). His "counsel"—His teachings, His way of life, and His call to follow Him—was consistently shamed and ridiculed by the world, particularly by the self-righteous and powerful who deemed His message foolishness or blasphemy ([Mark 15:29-32](/mark/15-29 "Mark 15:29-32 - Mockery of Christ on the Cross")). Yet, this "foolishness of God is wiser than men" ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - The Foolishness of God is Wiser than Men")), and His cross, though a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others, is the power and wisdom of God to those who believe ([1 Corinthians 1:18-24](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18-24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Ultimately, Jesus is the supreme refuge for all who are poor in spirit, providing not just temporary shelter but eternal salvation and vindication against all who would shame the counsel of God's people.

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

Psalms 9:9

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Psalms 42:10

[As] with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where [is] thy God?

Psalms 4:2

O ye sons of men, how long [will ye turn] my glory into shame? [how long] will ye love vanity, [and] seek after leasing? Selah.

Ezekiel 35:10

¶ Because thou hast said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas the LORD was there:

Matthew 27:40

And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

Matthew 27:43

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

Nehemiah 4:2

And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?