Psalms 52:7

KJV

Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lo, this is the man {H1397} that made {H7760}{H8799)} not God {H430} his strength {H4581}; but trusted {H982}{H8799)} in the abundance {H7230} of his riches {H6239}, and strengthened {H5810}{H8799)} himself in his wickedness {H1942}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"This fellow would not make God his refuge, but trusted in his own great wealth, relying on his evil plots."

Berean Standard Bible

“Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.”

American Standard Version

Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, And strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 52:7 serves as a stark and emphatic declaration of the ultimate downfall awaiting those who deliberately reject God as their foundational source of strength and security, choosing instead to place their confidence in the fleeting abundance of their material wealth and to fortify themselves through their own destructive and malicious deeds. This verse powerfully pronounces divine judgment against the wicked, illustrating the inevitable ruin that follows a life built on self-reliance and moral depravity rather than on the steadfast truth and power of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 52 is a Michtam of David, a psalm of instruction or reflection, composed in the aftermath of a profound betrayal. The preceding verses (Psalms 52:1-5) vividly describe the character of the wicked man, particularly Doeg the Edomite, highlighting his deceptive tongue, love for evil, and destructive nature. David contrasts Doeg's treachery with God's enduring lovingkindness (Psalms 52:8). Verse 7 functions as a climactic pronouncement of judgment, a direct consequence of the character described earlier. It serves as a stark counterpoint to David's own trust in God, which he articulates in the psalm's closing verses, affirming that the wicked man's end is certain and public, a testament to God's justice. The psalm moves from lament and description of evil to a declaration of God's justice and the psalmist's confident hope.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is specifically linked to the tragic events recorded in [1 Samuel 22](/1_samuel/22 "Doeg's Betrayal and the Slaughter of the Priests"). Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman, informed King Saul that David had received aid from Ahimelech the priest at Nob. This act of betrayal led to Saul's horrific command to slaughter the priests of Nob and their families, a command only Doeg and his servants were willing to carry out ([1 Samuel 22:18-19](/1_samuel/22-18 "Doeg Slaughters the Priests")). In ancient Israel, a king's chief herdsman was a significant position, often implying proximity and trust. Doeg's actions were not merely a political maneuver but a profound violation of trust and a sacrilege against God's anointed priests. The concept of "strength" (Hebrew: _'oz_) was crucial in the ancient world, often attributed to deities, kings, or military power. To "make God his strength" meant to acknowledge divine sovereignty and rely on His protection and provision, a stark contrast to relying on one's own material accumulation or wicked influence.
* **Key Themes:** The central message of [Psalm 52](/psalms/52 "The Downfall of the Wicked") and particularly verse 7 is the profound folly of trusting in anything other than God. The man described explicitly "made not God his strength," choosing instead to rely on "the abundance of his riches." This highlights a fundamental spiritual error: seeking security, power, and significance in transient, material possessions or self-generated influence rather than in the eternal, unchanging, and omnipotent God. Such reliance is ultimately revealed as a [false hope that inevitably leads to downfall](/proverbs/11-28 "Trusting in Riches Leads to Fall"). The phrase "strengthened himself in his wickedness" indicates that the man actively cultivated, drew power from, and found confidence in his evil deeds and intentions. This is not merely a passive indulgence in sin but an intentional embracing of a destructive lifestyle, believing it provides advantage or power. It speaks to a hardened heart that finds perverse confidence in its own moral decay, ironically building a foundation that is inherently unstable and self-destructive. This contrasts sharply with the [blessedness of the righteous](/psalms/1-3 "The Blessedness of the Righteous"), who are nourished by God's truth. The emphatic declaration, "Lo, [this is] the man," serves as a pronouncement of certain judgment, signaling the inevitable ruin awaiting those who live in defiance of God. David declares that such a person's end is certain and public, a powerful testament to God's active justice in the world. This theme resonates throughout the wisdom literature and prophetic books, affirming that while the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their ultimate fate is sealed by their rejection of God and their embrace of evil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strength (Hebrew, _'oz'_):** This word (עוז) conveys a rich semantic range including might, power, security, refuge, and even a fortress. To "make God his strength" implies a deep reliance, finding one's ultimate security and capability in God's nature and power. The wicked man actively chose *not* to make God his _'oz_, illustrating a fundamental misdirection of trust and a rejection of the only true source of enduring power and protection.
* **Trusted (Hebrew, _batach'_):** The verb (בּטח) means to trust, rely, be confident, or feel secure. It denotes placing one's full weight and confidence upon something or someone. The wicked man's _batach_ was placed "in the abundance of his riches," indicating a profound spiritual idolatry where material wealth became his object of faith and security, rather than the living God. This reveals a heart-level commitment to worldly resources over divine provision.
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _havvah'_):** This term (הַוָּה) is significant, carrying meanings of ruin, mischief, destruction, calamity, and perversity. It's not merely "evil" in a general sense but points to active, destructive malice and the ruinous consequences that flow from it. The phrase "strengthened himself in his _havvah_" is particularly potent, suggesting that the man not only committed wicked acts but actively drew power and confidence from his destructive nature, building his identity and security upon actions that inherently lead to his own undoing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength":** This opening exclamation ("Lo," or "Behold!") serves as a dramatic pronouncement, drawing immediate attention to the subject. It points to a specific type of individual—one whose defining characteristic is their deliberate refusal to acknowledge or rely on God as their ultimate source of power, security, or refuge. This is an active choice, a conscious turning away from divine sustenance and protection.
* **"but trusted in the abundance of his riches":** This clause reveals the alternative object of the wicked man's faith. Instead of God, his confidence (_batach_) was placed in his material possessions. The phrase "abundance of his riches" emphasizes the quantity and perceived security of his wealth, suggesting that his trust was directly proportional to his material accumulation. This highlights a fundamental spiritual misdirection, where transient wealth replaces the eternal God as the foundation of life.
* **"[and] strengthened himself in his wickedness":** This final clause describes the active cultivation of evil. The man didn't merely commit wicked acts; he "strengthened himself" in them, implying a deliberate embrace and fortification of his destructive nature (_havvah_). This suggests that his wickedness was not a weakness but, in his distorted view, a source of power and confidence, enabling him to achieve his aims through deceit and malice. Ironically, this self-strengthening in wickedness leads to his ultimate ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 52:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The opening interjection, **"Lo"** (or "Behold"), functions as a dramatic **declaration** or **pronouncement**, drawing immediate attention to the man being described and signaling the gravity of the judgment. The verse is built upon a profound **contrast**: the man's refusal to make God his "strength" is set against his choice to trust in "riches" and strengthen himself in "wickedness." This stark juxtaposition highlights the fundamental spiritual error and its inevitable consequences. There is also a strong element of **irony** in the phrase "strengthened himself in his wickedness." What the wicked man perceives as a source of power and security—his malicious deeds and accumulated wealth—is precisely what will lead to his ultimate downfall and ruin, underscoring the self-destructive nature of sin. The verse functions as a concise **character sketch**, painting a vivid portrait of a specific type of individual whose choices lead to divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with core biblical truths about the nature of trust, the deceptive allure of wealth, and the certainty of divine justice. It underscores the foundational theological principle that God alone is the ultimate source of all true strength, security, and blessing. To place one's confidence in anything less—be it material possessions, human ingenuity, or even one's own capacity for evil—is not only foolish but idolatrous, a direct affront to God's sovereignty. The "abundance of riches" is consistently portrayed in Scripture as a potential snare, capable of hardening the heart and diverting allegiance from God. Furthermore, the concept of "strengthening oneself in wickedness" speaks to the hardening effect of sin, where repeated transgression can lead to a perverse sense of empowerment, blinding individuals to the inevitable consequences of their actions and the righteous judgment of God. This psalm thus serves as a timeless warning against the spiritual dangers of materialism and moral depravity, affirming that true prosperity and security are found only in a relationship of trust and obedience to the Lord.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Trusting in Riches")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Serving Two Masters")
* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Cursed is the Man Who Trusts in Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 52:7 challenges us to profoundly examine the true source of our own strength, security, and confidence in a world that constantly tempts us to place our trust in fleeting things. In an age often defined by the pursuit of wealth, status, and self-sufficiency, this verse serves as a piercing reminder that genuine and lasting strength comes only from God. It calls us to assess whether our primary reliance is on our financial portfolios, career achievements, social influence, or even our own cleverness and perceived control, or if we genuinely make God our refuge and strength. The psalm warns against the spiritual danger of self-sufficiency, where one believes they can succeed and protect themselves without divine assistance, even finding a perverse confidence in their own manipulative or destructive tendencies. True wisdom lies in humility and an unwavering reliance on God, recognizing that worldly riches and power are temporary and cannot provide ultimate protection or salvation. This verse underscores the critical importance of investing in eternal values rather than temporal ones, echoing the New Testament's call to [store up treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-19 "Storing Up Treasures in Heaven"). Ultimately, Psalm 52:7 is a timeless reminder that while the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their foundation is built on sand, and their end is certain. The truly wise are those who build their lives on the unchanging strength and goodness of God, for He alone is our unfailing rock.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my security and strength in life? Is it in my financial stability, my accomplishments, my relationships, or in God alone?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "strengthen myself in my wickedness" by relying on manipulative tactics, deceit, or self-serving ambition rather than integrity and dependence on God?**
* **How does my daily life reflect a trust in God as my strength, rather than in the "abundance of my riches" or worldly systems?**
* **What practical steps can I take to consciously shift my trust from temporal things to the eternal God?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "make God his strength"?**

Answer: To "make God his strength" means to consciously and actively rely on God as the ultimate source of one's power, security, and capability. It implies recognizing God's sovereignty and omnipotence, and placing one's complete trust and confidence in His character, promises, and provision. This is in contrast to relying on human resources, personal abilities, or material possessions. It's a spiritual posture of dependence and faith, acknowledging that true might and protection come from Him alone, as seen in passages like [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "God Our Refuge and Strength") where God is described as "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

**Why is trusting in riches considered a form of "wickedness" in this context?**

Answer: While having riches is not inherently sinful, the act of "trusting in the abundance of his riches" (as opposed to God) is considered a form of spiritual wickedness because it constitutes idolatry. It elevates material wealth to the position of God, making it the object of one's ultimate confidence and security. This misplaced trust diverts allegiance from the Creator to creation, fostering self-sufficiency and a neglect of divine dependence. Such trust often leads to oppression, greed, and a hardened heart, as the pursuit and preservation of wealth become paramount, overshadowing justice, compassion, and obedience to God's commands. Jesus himself warned about the difficulty for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God ([Mark 10:23-25](/mark/10-23 "The Rich Young Man")).

**How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of divine judgment?**

Answer: This verse serves as a powerful declaration of divine judgment against those who defiantly reject God and embrace wickedness. It reflects the consistent biblical theme that God is righteous and just, and He will ultimately hold all people accountable for their choices. While the wicked may appear to prosper for a time, their foundation is inherently unstable because it is built on self-reliance and moral corruption, not on God's truth. The "Lo, [this is] the man" functions as a prophetic pronouncement, signaling the inevitability of their downfall and ruin. This judgment is not arbitrary but a natural consequence of choosing a path contrary to God's design, as highlighted throughout the Psalms and prophetic literature, where God's justice is revealed in both His mercy to the righteous and His judgment upon the unrepentant wicked.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 52:7, with its stark portrayal of the man who makes not God his strength but trusts in riches and wickedness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies the absolute antithesis of this wicked man. Jesus, though possessing all power and authority, consistently made God His strength, submitting His will entirely to the Father ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "The Son Can Do Nothing of Himself")). He rejected all earthly temptations to trust in worldly power or material abundance, famously refusing the devil's offer of all the kingdoms of the world ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Temptation of Jesus")). His kingdom was not of this world, nor built on its riches or wicked schemes ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Instead, He lived a life of perfect humility, obedience, and reliance on God, ultimately strengthening Himself not in wickedness but in righteousness, even to the point of death on the cross, thereby becoming the true strength and salvation for all who believe ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus addresses the very problem of humanity's misplaced trust and self-strengthening in sin, offering forgiveness and a new life where God truly becomes our strength, and our treasures are laid up in heaven, secured by His eternal kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Delivered from Darkness")). He is the righteous man whose trust in God led not to ruin, but to resurrection and eternal life for all who follow Him.

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

Jeremiah 17:5

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

Psalms 73:18

Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

Psalms 73:20

As a dream when [one] awaketh; [so], O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

Ecclesiastes 8:8

[There is] no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither [hath he] power in the day of death: and [there is] no discharge in [that] war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

Psalms 49:6

¶ They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

Psalms 49:20

Man [that is] in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts [that] perish.

Job 31:24

¶ If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, [Thou art] my confidence;