Psalms 62:10

KJV

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].

KJV (with Strong's)

Trust {H982}{H8799)} not in oppression {H6233}, and become not vain {H1891}{H8799)} in robbery {H1498}: if riches {H2428} increase {H5107}{H8799)}, set {H7896}{H8799)} not your heart {H3820} upon them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't put your trust in extortion, don't put false hopes in robbery; even if wealth increases, don't set your heart on it.

Berean Standard Bible

Place no trust in extortion, or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.

American Standard Version

Trust not in oppression, And become not vain in robbery: If riches increase, set not your heart thereon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 62:10 delivers a profound ethical and theological warning, cautioning believers against placing their trust or finding their security in wealth acquired through unjust means like oppression and robbery. Furthermore, it extends this admonition to even legitimately acquired riches, urging them not to allow material possessions to capture their deepest affections or become the ultimate object of their devotion. This instruction underscores the psalmist's overarching theme of finding ultimate security and unwavering trust in God alone, contrasting the fleeting nature of human power and material wealth with the enduring faithfulness and strength of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 62 is a deeply personal declaration of David's unwavering trust in God alone, even amidst profound betrayal and opposition from his enemies. The psalm opens with David's soul quietly waiting on God, affirming Him as his "rock," "salvation," and "fortress" (cf. [Psalms 62:1-2](/psalms/62-1-2 "Psalm 62:1-2 - God My Rock and Salvation")). This reliance is reiterated multiple times throughout the psalm, notably in [Psalms 62:5](/psalms/62-5 "Psalm 62:5 - My Soul, Wait Only Upon God"). David contrasts the fleeting nature of human power and deceit, likening men to a "tottering wall" or a "leaning fence" (cf. [Psalms 62:3](/psalms/62-3 "Psalm 62:3 - Like a Leaning Wall")), with God's enduring strength and faithfulness. Verse 10 serves as a crucial ethical and practical application within this context, directly following David's exhortation to "trust in him at all times" and "pour out your heart before him" (cf. [Psalms 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Psalm 62:8 - Trust in God at All Times")). It also follows the stark declaration that "men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie" (cf. [Psalms 62:9](/psalms/62-9 "Psalm 62:9 - All Humanity is Vanity")). Thus, verse 10 functions as a specific warning against the very temptations and false securities—namely, ill-gotten gain and the idolatry of wealth—that stand in direct opposition to the complete and exclusive trust in God that David so passionately advocates throughout [Psalm 62](/psalms/62 "Psalm 62 - My Soul Waits for God Alone").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As king, David would have been acutely aware of the pervasive temptations of power and wealth, both for himself and for those within his court and kingdom. Ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, frequently grappled with issues of social injustice, the oppression of the poor, and illicit gain. The prophetic tradition in Israel consistently condemned such practices, as seen in the denunciations of exploitation by figures like Amos (cf. [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6-7 "Amos 2:6-7 - Oppression of the Poor")) and Micah (cf. [Micah 2:1-2](/micah/2-1-2 "Micah 2:1-2 - Woe to Those Who Oppress")). The warning against "oppression" and "robbery" directly reflects a societal reality where the powerful could easily exploit the vulnerable, leveraging their position for personal enrichment. Furthermore, while the accumulation of wealth was often viewed as a sign of divine blessing in the ancient world, the biblical narrative consistently warns against the inherent dangers of idolatry, particularly the idolatry of riches. This verse speaks to a timeless human inclination to find security, identity, and ultimate satisfaction in material possessions rather than in the divine, a challenge that transcends any specific historical period.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 62:10 contributes significantly to several foundational themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **true security in God alone**, contrasting it with the inherently false and fleeting security offered by material possessions or illicit gain, which are ultimately declared "vain" or empty. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **divine justice and righteousness**, unequivocally condemning oppression and robbery as actions fundamentally opposed to God's character and His covenantal law, which demands justice for the vulnerable. Thirdly, it directly addresses the pervasive biblical theme of **idolatry**, specifically the idolatry of wealth. It warns against allowing riches, regardless of their source, to capture one's heart and ultimate devotion, a warning echoed throughout the wisdom literature (cf. [Proverbs 23:4-5](/proverbs/23-4-5 "Proverbs 23:4-5 - Do Not Toil to Be Rich")) and profoundly articulated in the teachings of Jesus (cf. [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve God and Mammon")). Finally, this verse underscores the **ethical implications of genuine faith**, demonstrating that authentic trust in God necessarily entails righteous living and a spiritual detachment from worldly entanglements that could compromise one's singular devotion to the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oppression (Hebrew, _‘ôsheq'_):** From H6233, this term refers to injury, fraud, or unjust gain, often acquired through exploitation. It signifies a systemic or habitual pattern of taking advantage of others through power, position, or deceit, leading to ill-gotten wealth. It is not merely a single act of theft but implies a deeper, often cruel, injustice in the acquisition of resources.
* **Robbery (Hebrew, _gâzêl'_):** From H1498, this word specifically denotes plunder or something taken away by violence. It points to wealth seized by force or through coercive means, clearly indicating ill-gotten gains. The accompanying phrase "become not vain" (from H1891, _hâbal_) emphasizes that finding confidence or worth in such gains is utterly empty and futile, echoing the "vanity" or "meaninglessness" found in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities").
* **Set not your heart (Hebrew, _shîyth lêb'_):** This powerful idiomatic expression combines H7896 (to place or set) and H3820 (the heart). It literally translates to "do not place your heart." In biblical thought, the "heart" is the seat of one's intellect, emotion, will, and deepest affections. Therefore, "setting one's heart" signifies giving one's ultimate affection, reliance, devotion, or primary focus to something. The command warns against making wealth, even legitimately acquired wealth, an idol or the ultimate source of one's security, identity, and purpose, thereby displacing God from His rightful place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Trust not in oppression":** This is a direct, negative imperative. It forbids placing one's confidence, security, or hope in wealth or power obtained through exploitative, unjust, or violent means. Such gains are inherently unstable, morally corrupt, and offer no true or lasting foundation for a life lived in alignment with God's righteousness.
* **"and become not vain in robbery":** This clause reinforces the preceding warning, specifically addressing wealth acquired through theft, plunder, or coercive seizure. To "become vain" in such gains means to find a false, empty, or worthless sense of pride, security, or self-worth in them. It highlights the spiritual emptiness and moral bankruptcy inherent in the pursuit and reliance upon ill-gotten wealth.
* **"if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].":** This final clause significantly broadens the scope of the admonition. It acknowledges the possibility of wealth increasing, perhaps even through legitimate means. However, the crucial instruction is not to allow this increase to capture one's deepest affections, ultimate trust, or primary devotion. The warning is against the idolatry of wealth itself, where material possessions, regardless of how they are acquired, usurp God's rightful place as the sole object of one's ultimate trust and desire.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 62:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a combination of synonymous and antithetical forms. The first two clauses, "Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery," exhibit **Synonymous Parallelism**, reiterating the same core warning against ill-gotten gain through slightly different but conceptually related terms ("oppression" and "robbery"), thereby intensifying the admonition. The entire verse also functions as an **Imperative** (though expressed negatively), delivering a direct command to the reader about where *not* to place their trust and affections. The phrase "set not your heart" utilizes **Metaphor**, as the heart is not literally placed on physical objects, but rather represents the core of one's being, affections, and ultimate allegiance. This metaphorical language vividly communicates the danger of idolatry, where material possessions usurp the place of God in one's life. The progression from illicit gain to even legitimately acquired riches demonstrates a comprehensive warning, highlighting the insidious nature of misplaced trust in wealth in any form.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 62:10 stands as a vital theological anchor, connecting the individual's ethical conduct directly to their ultimate trust in God. It profoundly underscores the biblical principle that God's character is fundamentally just and righteous, and therefore, any gain acquired through oppression or robbery is not only a violation of human dignity but also a direct affront to His nature and law. More profoundly, it addresses the universal human tendency towards idolatry, warning that even legitimately acquired wealth can become a spiritual snare if it captures the heart's devotion, subtly displacing God as the supreme object of worship and security. This echoes the consistent biblical message that true security, lasting contentment, and genuine life are found only in God, not in fleeting material possessions or the illusion of human power. The verse implicitly calls for a radical reorientation of values, where God's kingdom and righteousness are sought above all else, and material possessions are held loosely, as gifts to be stewarded for His glory rather than gods to be served.

* [Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Ill-Gotten Treasures Do Not Profit")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of All Covetousness")
* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money is a Root of All Kinds of Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 62:10 remains profoundly relevant in every age, serving as a timeless challenge for believers to critically examine both the sources of their wealth and, more importantly, the posture of their hearts towards possessions. In a world often driven by relentless acquisition, consumerism, and the pursuit of financial stability as the ultimate good, the temptation to pursue wealth at any cost, or to find ultimate security in material abundance, is ever-present. This verse calls us to a radical, counter-cultural stance: to ensure that our livelihoods are built on unwavering justice and unimpeachable integrity, actively avoiding any form of exploitation, dishonesty, or even passive complicity in unjust systems. More subtly, it warns against the insidious danger of materialism, where even a blessed increase in resources can imperceptibly shift our trust from the living God to our bank accounts, investments, or career successes. It compels us to ask probing questions: Where do I truly place my confidence for security, happiness, and future provision? Is it in my financial portfolio, my professional achievements, or my accumulated possessions, or is it in the unchanging character of God, who alone is our true Rock, Refuge, and unfailing Provider? This verse is an urgent invitation to align our hearts with the profound truth that genuine contentment, lasting security, and ultimate satisfaction are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be tempted to "trust in oppression" or "become vain in robbery" in my daily life or professional sphere?**
* **How do I actively guard my heart against setting it upon increasing riches, and what practical steps can I take to cultivate radical contentment and generous stewardship?**
* **Where do I truly place my ultimate security and hope – in my financial resources and worldly achievements, or in God alone as my unfailing source?**
* **How does my pursuit, acquisition, and use of wealth reflect my trust in God versus my trust in mammon, and what changes might be needed?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "become vain in robbery"?**
Answer: To "become vain in robbery" means to find an empty, fleeting, or worthless sense of confidence, pride, or security in wealth that has been acquired through theft, plunder, or any illicit and violent means. The Hebrew word for "vain" (_havel_, H1891) is the same word used extensively in Ecclesiastes to describe the futility and emptiness of life and pursuits apart from God (cf. [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities")). Therefore, the warning is that ill-gotten gains, while they may seem to offer power, status, or security in the short term, ultimately provide no true, lasting value, satisfaction, or spiritual fulfillment. They are a false foundation, leading inevitably to spiritual emptiness and moral bankruptcy.

**Is all wealth inherently bad or condemned by this verse?**
Answer: No, this verse does not condemn all wealth in itself. The first part specifically warns against wealth obtained through "oppression" (H6233) and "robbery" (H1498), which are unequivocally unjust and illicit means. The latter part, "if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them]," addresses even legitimately acquired wealth. The danger lies not in the riches themselves, but in the heart's posture towards them. If wealth becomes the object of one's trust, devotion, ultimate security, or identity, then it becomes an idol, displacing God from His rightful place. The Bible often portrays wealth as a potential blessing (cf. [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord Makes Rich")), but consistently warns against the love of money (cf. [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money is a Root of All Kinds of Evil")) and the profound dangers of misplaced trust in material possessions.

**How does this verse relate to the overall message of Psalm 62?**
Answer: Psalm 62:10 is a crucial ethical and practical application of the psalm's central theme: finding ultimate trust and security in God alone. David repeatedly declares his soul's quiet reliance on God as his "rock," "salvation," and "fortress" (cf. [Psalms 62:1-2](/psalms/62-1-2 "Psalm 62:1-2 - God My Rock and Salvation")). He contrasts this divine steadfastness with the inherent unreliability of human power and the deceitfulness of men (cf. [Psalms 62:9](/psalms/62-9 "Psalm 62:9 - All Humanity is Vanity")). Verse 10 extends this contrast to material wealth, warning that just as human power is fleeting and unreliable, so too are riches—especially those ill-gotten, but even legitimate ones—if they become the object of one's heart's ultimate devotion. It powerfully reinforces the call to "trust in him at all times" (cf. [Psalms 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Psalm 62:8 - Trust in God at All Times")) by explicitly stating what *not* to trust in, thereby directing the heart back to God as the sole reliable, unchanging, and truly satisfying source of security and hope.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 62:10, with its stark warning against misplaced trust in wealth and ill-gotten gain, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound answer in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect righteousness and divine justice, never acquiring anything through oppression or robbery. On the contrary, He "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). Christ consistently warned His disciples against the insidious dangers of materialism and the idolatry of wealth, famously declaring that "you cannot serve God and mammon" (cf. [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve God and Mammon")). He taught that true and enduring riches are not earthly but heavenly, accumulated by laying up treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys (cf. [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the ultimate object of trust, the true "Rock" and "Salvation" to which Psalm 62 points. In Him, we find the true security and enduring treasure that no amount of earthly wealth, however acquired, can ever provide. His sacrificial death on the cross not only atones for our sins, including the sin of greed and misplaced trust, but also empowers us by the Holy Spirit to live lives of integrity, radical generosity, and unwavering devotion to God alone, thereby fulfilling the ethical demands of the psalmist's warning by placing our hearts fully on Christ and His eternal kingdom (cf. [Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")).

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

1 Timothy 6:17

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Psalms 52:7

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.

Jeremiah 17:11

[As] the partridge sitteth [on eggs], and hatcheth [them] not; [so] he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.

Job 31:24

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

Job 31:25

If I rejoiced because my wealth [was] great, and because mine hand had gotten much;

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Deuteronomy 6:10

And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,