Psalms 62:4

They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

They only consult {H3289}{H8804)} to cast him down {H5080}{H8687)} from his excellency {H7613}: they delight {H7521}{H8799)} in lies {H3577}: they bless {H1288}{H8762)} with their mouth {H6310}, but they curse {H7043}{H8762)} inwardly {H7130}. Selah {H5542}.

They only want to shake him from his height, they take delight in lying with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. (Selah)

They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah

They only consult to thrust him down from his dignity; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. [Selah

Context

Psalm 62, penned by King David, is a profound expression of unwavering trust in God amidst severe opposition. Verse 4 specifically describes the insidious nature of his enemies. At this point in David's life, he was likely facing significant threats to his leadership and even his life, perhaps during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15) or earlier conflicts. Despite the turmoil, David maintains his confidence in God as his sole refuge and salvation, a theme powerfully introduced in Psalm 62:1. This verse exposes the deceptive and malicious tactics employed by those who sought his downfall.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Malicious Intent: The primary aim of David's adversaries was to "cast him down from his excellency," meaning to remove him from his high position, dignity, or favor with God. This highlights the envy and destructive desire of the wicked to see others fall.
  • Deceit and Falsehood: "They delight in lies." Their methods are characterized by falsehood and deception, indicating a lack of integrity and a willingness to manipulate truth for their own gain. This echoes the broader biblical caution against lying lips.
  • Hypocrisy: The most striking aspect is their duplicity: "they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly." This describes individuals who outwardly express good wishes or support, while inwardly harboring malice, ill will, and curses. Such hypocrisy is a recurring theme in Scripture, often condemned by prophets and by Jesus Himself, as seen in Matthew 23:27.
  • Human Treachery: The verse vividly portrays the dark side of human nature when driven by envy and a desire for power, demonstrating how far some will go to achieve their malicious goals, even resorting to betrayal and deceit.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "excellency" is romam (רוֹמָם), meaning 'height,' 'elevation,' or 'dignity.' It speaks to David's elevated status as king and God's anointed. The phrase "delight in lies" uses shaker (שֶׁקֶר) for 'lie' or 'falsehood,' emphasizing the pleasure they take in deceitful practices. The contrast between "bless with their mouth" (barak - בָּרַךְ) and "curse inwardly" (qalal - קָלַל) powerfully illustrates their profound duplicity, revealing a heart full of venom behind a facade of kindness.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless insights for believers today:

  1. Discernment: It reminds us to be discerning of others' intentions. Not everyone who speaks kindly harbors good will; some may be acting deceptively.
  2. Integrity: It underscores the importance of integrity, where our words align with our hearts. Believers are called to live truthfully, reflecting the character of God, who is truth (John 14:6).
  3. Trust in God: When faced with betrayal or malicious intent, like David, our ultimate refuge should be in God. He sees the hidden motives and will ultimately bring justice, as David emphasizes in the broader Psalm.
  4. Response to Evil: While recognizing evil, the psalm encourages us to continue trusting God rather than retaliating with similar deceit. Our strength comes from Him, not from adopting the tactics of the wicked.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 55:21

    [The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.

  • Psalms 28:3

    Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief [is] in their hearts.

  • Psalms 5:9

    For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part [is] very wickedness; their throat [is] an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

  • Romans 7:22

    For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

  • Romans 1:32

    Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

  • Revelation 22:15

    For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

  • John 11:47

    Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

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