Psalms 31:6

KJV

I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have hated {H8130} them that regard {H8104} lying {H7723} vanities {H1892}: but I trust {H982} in the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I hate those who serve worthless idols; as for me, I trust in ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

I hate those who cling to worthless idols, but in the LORD I trust.

American Standard Version

I hate them that regard lying vanities; But I trust in Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 31:6 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's unwavering commitment to the one true God, expressed through a stark rejection of all that is false and fleeting. It articulates a foundational principle of biblical faith: true security and hope are found not in human constructs, deceptive ideologies, or empty pursuits—termed "lying vanities"—but solely in the faithful and trustworthy character of the LORD. This verse serves as a spiritual compass, guiding the believer to discern between the ephemeral and the eternal, culminating in a resolute posture of divine trust amidst life's trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 31 is a deeply personal lament of David, characterized by an intense oscillation between raw expressions of distress and fervent declarations of trust in God. Preceding this verse, David pours out his soul, describing his enemies, physical affliction, and social isolation (e.g., [Psalms 31:9-13](/psalms/31-9 "Psalm 31:9-13 - David's Distress and Enemies")). Yet, even in the depths of despair, the psalmist consistently anchors himself in God's faithfulness, as seen in his initial plea for deliverance based on God's righteousness ([Psalms 31:1](/psalms/31-1 "Psalm 31:1 - A Plea for Deliverance")). Verse 6 marks a pivotal moment, a clear statement of the spiritual foundation for his endurance and hope, contrasting the futility of worldly reliance with the solidity of divine trust. It sets the stage for later expressions of God's steadfast love and deliverance (e.g., [Psalms 31:19-20](/psalms/31-19 "Psalm 31:19-20 - God's Goodness and Protection")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a polytheistic landscape where various gods and cults vied for allegiance. People often sought security, prosperity, and guidance from idols, divination, or powerful human alliances. "Lying vanities" (Hebrew: *hevel shav*) would have directly referred to these false gods, their empty promises, and the deceptive practices associated with their worship. For an Israelite, especially a king like David, the temptation to rely on military might, political treaties with pagan nations, or the perceived power of other deities was ever-present. David's declaration is a radical act of monotheistic devotion, rejecting the prevailing cultural norms that encouraged syncretism or reliance on anything other than Yahweh. It reflects the ongoing struggle within Israel to remain faithful to the covenant God, who alone is true and provides genuine security, in contrast to the gods "who cannot save or deliver, for they are nothing" ([1_samuel/12-21](/1-samuel/12-21 "1 Samuel 12:21 - The Futility of Idols")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes of Psalm 31 and indeed, the entire Psalter. First, it highlights the **exclusive nature of true worship**, demanding a complete rejection of anything that competes with God for ultimate allegiance. The "hatred" is not merely emotional but a principled, theological separation from all forms of idolatry and falsehood, whether overt or subtle. Second, it underscores the theme of **unwavering trust in God** as the only reliable source of security and hope. This trust is not passive but an active, deliberate choice to lean on God's character and promises, even when circumstances are dire. This is a recurring motif throughout the Psalms, where the righteous find refuge in God (e.g., [Psalms 9:10](/psalms/9-10 "Psalm 9:10 - Trust in the Lord")). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **spiritual discernment**, the ability to distinguish between what is genuinely true and what is deceptive. David's clarity allows him to identify the emptiness of "lying vanities" and to cling to the Lord, demonstrating a commitment to spiritual purity and genuine worship that is foundational to a life of faith (e.g., [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hated (Hebrew, _sā·nê'_):** This verb signifies more than a mere emotional dislike; it denotes a strong, principled aversion, a moral and theological rejection. In biblical usage, "to hate" can imply a complete separation from, or a renunciation of, something deemed antithetical to one's core values or allegiance. Here, David's "hatred" is directed not at people, but at the *practice* of regarding "lying vanities," indicating a decisive break from any form of idolatry or reliance on falsehood.
* **lying vanities (Hebrew, _heḇel šāw’_):** This powerful compound phrase is highly significant.
* `hevel` (הֶבֶל) literally means "breath," "vapor," or "futility." It famously appears throughout Ecclesiastes to describe the emptiness and meaninglessness of life and pursuits apart from God (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities")). It conveys transience, insubstantiality, and ultimate disappointment.
* `shav` (שָׁוְא) means "falsehood," "emptiness," "deceit," or "worthlessness." It is often used in the context of idols (e.g., [Jeremiah 10:15](/jeremiah/10-15 "Jeremiah 10:15 - Idols are Worthless")).
Together, "lying vanities" paints a vivid picture of anything that promises substance, security, or fulfillment but delivers only emptiness, deception, and ultimate futility. This includes idols, false gods, human wisdom apart from God, or any worldly pursuit that replaces divine trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have hated them that regard lying vanities":** This clause reveals the psalmist's active and decisive stance against idolatry and all forms of spiritual deception. The phrase "them that regard" (or "them that observe," "them that attend to") implies a deliberate turning towards, a reliance upon, or an adherence to these empty things. David's "hatred" is thus a theological and moral repudiation of any worldview or practice that places trust in anything other than the true God. It's a declaration of exclusive allegiance, recognizing the inherent worthlessness and deceptive nature of such "vanities."
* **"but I trust in the LORD":** This second clause stands in stark, deliberate contrast to the first, highlighting the psalmist's chosen alternative. The Hebrew word for "trust" (בָּטַח, *bāṭaḥ*) signifies a deep, unwavering confidence, a secure reliance, and a feeling of safety. It implies leaning on, taking refuge in, and being utterly dependent on God. This is not a passive hope but an active, conscious decision to place one's entire being—one's security, future, and identity—in the faithful hands of Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. This trust is the bedrock of David's spiritual resilience and the source of his true stability.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Contrast** as its primary literary device, setting the "lying vanities" in direct opposition to "the LORD." This juxtaposition highlights the fundamental choice presented to the believer: the futility and deception of worldly reliance versus the steadfast faithfulness and truth of God. The term "hated" can be understood as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the psalmist's absolute and uncompromising rejection of falsehood, rather than a literal emotional animosity towards individuals. The phrase "lying vanities" itself is an example of **Oxymoron** (or a paradox if interpreted broadly), as "vanities" are inherently empty and cannot "lie" in a sentient sense, but their promises are deceptive, thus they are "lying." This personification of "vanities" underscores their active, misleading nature. The verse functions as a **Declaration**, a bold statement of the psalmist's conviction and allegiance, serving both as a personal affirmation and a model for the reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 31:6 articulates a core biblical truth: the exclusive nature of God's sovereignty and the futility of seeking ultimate meaning, security, or salvation outside of Him. This verse resonates deeply with the First Commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")), extending its prohibition beyond physical idols to encompass any object of misplaced trust or devotion. The "lying vanities" represent the myriad ways humanity attempts to fill the God-shaped void, whether through wealth, power, human approval, or self-reliance, all of which ultimately prove empty and deceptive. The psalmist's declaration of trust in the LORD is a testament to the theological truth that God alone is worthy of absolute confidence, for He is unchanging, faithful, and omnipotent. This verse serves as a timeless call to radical monotheism, urging believers to discern and reject all false gods and ideologies that promise what only the true God can deliver.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the LORD Your God")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the One Who Trusts in Man")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 31:6 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to honestly assess the objects of our "regard" and trust in a world saturated with competing loyalties and deceptive promises. While we may not bow to physical idols, modern "lying vanities" manifest in myriad forms: the relentless pursuit of material wealth, the validation sought through social media, the uncritical acceptance of popular ideologies, the self-reliance that denies dependence on God, or even the subtle worship of comfort and security. This verse calls us to cultivate a spiritual discernment that recognizes the emptiness of these pursuits and to actively, even passionately, reject them. It urges us to shift our gaze from the fleeting to the eternal, from the deceptive to the true, and to consciously and consistently place our ultimate hope, security, and identity in the faithful character of the LORD. True peace and stability are found not in avoiding trials, but in anchoring our souls in the one who is utterly trustworthy, allowing His truth to define our priorities and His presence to be our ultimate satisfaction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "lying vanities" in my life or culture that subtly or overtly demand my trust and attention away from God?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a "hatred" (a principled rejection) of these vanities, and a corresponding "trust in the LORD"?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I find it most challenging to place my full trust in God, rather than in my own abilities or worldly assurances?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper understanding of God's character strengthen my trust and help me discern and reject falsehoods?**

### FAQ
**What does "lying vanities" mean in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, "lying vanities" refers to anything that promises ultimate fulfillment, security, identity, or salvation apart from God, but ultimately proves empty, deceptive, or leads to disappointment. This can include:
* **Materialism:** The belief that possessions or wealth will bring lasting happiness or security.
* **Fame and Social Media Validation:** The pursuit of popularity or affirmation from others as a source of self-worth.
* **Human Ideologies and Philosophies:** Any worldview or political system that claims to offer ultimate truth or societal salvation without acknowledging God.
* **Self-Reliance and Control:** The belief that one's own strength, intellect, or efforts are sufficient for navigating life, without dependence on divine guidance.
* **Addictions:** Substances, behaviors, or relationships that promise escape or satisfaction but deliver bondage and emptiness.
* **False Gods:** While not always physical idols, these can be anything we elevate to a position of ultimate authority or devotion in our lives, replacing God.
The common thread is that these "vanities" offer a deceptive promise of life, but ultimately lead to spiritual emptiness and a betrayal of true trust, as warned in [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 31:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of truth, the antithesis of "lying vanities." While the psalmist expresses a personal rejection of falsehood and a trust in the unseen LORD, Christ makes that truth tangible and accessible. Jesus declares, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Him, all the empty promises of the world are exposed for what they are: hollow deceptions. The "lying vanities" that humanity pursues—whether power, wealth, or fleeting pleasures—are rendered impotent by the solid reality of Christ's kingdom and His eternal promises. Our "trust in the LORD" is concretized in our faith in Jesus, who is "the image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). He is the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")), offering true and lasting fulfillment that no worldly vanity can provide. Our allegiance to Christ necessitates a radical turning away from all that is false, aligning our hearts with the one who is faithful and true, the very "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")). In Christ, our trust is not merely in a concept, but in a living, resurrected Savior who has conquered all the "vanities" of sin and death.

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 24:4

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

Jonah 2:8

They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

1 Corinthians 10:20

But [I say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

1 Corinthians 8:4

¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

Jeremiah 10:15

They [are] vanity, [and] the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

Psalms 26:5

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

Jeremiah 10:8

But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock [is] a doctrine of vanities.