Psalms 62:9

KJV

Surely men of low degree [are] vanity, [and] men of high degree [are] a lie: to be laid in the balance, they [are] altogether [lighter] than vanity.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely men {H120}{H1121} of low degree are vanity {H1892}, and men {H376} of high degree are a lie {H3577}: to be laid {H5927}{H8800)} in the balance {H3976}, they are altogether {H3162} lighter than vanity {H1892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ordinary folks are merely a breath and important people a sham; if you lay them on a balance-scale, they go up both together are lighter than nothing.

Berean Standard Bible

Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor.

American Standard Version

Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: In the balances they will go up; They are together lighter than vanity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 62:9 delivers a profound and sobering declaration regarding the inherent unreliability of all humanity, irrespective of social standing, when measured against the unwavering steadfastness of God. The psalmist asserts that both the common person and those in positions of power are fundamentally fleeting, deceptive, and ultimately devoid of true substance or lasting capacity to help. This verse serves as a stark and essential warning against the perilous folly of misplaced trust in mortal strength, influence, or promises, compelling the reader to seek ultimate security, salvation, and hope exclusively in the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 62 is a deeply personal and theological psalm of trust, widely attributed to David, who articulates his unshakeable confidence in God amidst significant personal and political turmoil. The preceding verses lay the groundwork for this conviction, with David firmly declaring that his salvation, strength, and refuge emanate solely from God, whom he repeatedly describes as his "rock" and "fortress" (e.g., [Psalm 62:1-2](/psalms/62-1-2 "Psalm 62:1-2 - David's Trust in God")). He then exhorts his own soul to patiently wait only upon God for salvation ([Psalm 62:5](/psalms/62-5 "Psalm 62:5 - Waiting on God Alone")). The psalm transitions to a broader appeal, urging all people to trust in God at all times and to pour out their hearts before Him ([Psalm 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Psalm 62:8 - Trusting God Always")). Verse 9 then acts as a critical theological pivot, providing the compelling rationale for such exclusive trust in God: it exposes the inherent unreliability and ultimate worthlessness of all human alternatives. This stark contrast sets the stage for the subsequent powerful declaration of God's incomparable power and lovingkindness in [Psalm 62:11-12](/psalms/62-11-12 "Psalm 62:11-12 - God's Power and Lovingkindness").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical occasion for Psalm 62 remains unspecified, its themes of betrayal, opposition, and the need for divine refuge often lead scholars to associate it with periods of intense crisis in David's life, such as Absalom's rebellion (e.g., [2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15-18 - Absalom's Rebellion")). In ancient Near Eastern societies, social stratification was pronounced. "Men of high degree" (nobles, kings, powerful officials) wielded immense authority and influence, while "men of low degree" (commoners, the poor, the vulnerable) often found themselves dependent on those in power for justice, protection, and provision. It was natural for people to look to human leaders and societal structures for stability. The vivid imagery of "being laid in the balance" would have resonated immediately with an ancient audience, as weighing scales were ubiquitous tools for commerce, legal judgments, and assessing the value or quantity of goods. This cultural understanding amplifies the radical nature of the psalmist's declaration: that *all* human beings, regardless of their perceived status or influence, are equally inadequate as objects of ultimate trust or sources of lasting security.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 62:9 contributes significantly to several foundational themes within the Psalter and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the **unreliability and futility of human trust** when contrasted with the absolute faithfulness of God. It systematically dismantles the illusion that genuine security or lasting help can be found in human power, wealth, or social standing, echoing the wisdom found in passages like [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trusting in Riches"). Secondly, the verse implicitly highlights the **sovereignty and incomparable nature of God**. By exposing the emptiness of human alternatives, it elevates God as the sole true source of stability, salvation, and hope—a central and recurring theme throughout the entire [book of Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms"). Thirdly, it touches upon the **theme of divine judgment and assessment**, where human efforts, perceived worth, and boasted strengths are weighed in God's perfect scales and found utterly wanting. This resonates with the broader biblical concept that God alone is the ultimate judge, who sees beyond outward appearances to the true substance of things, as powerfully articulated in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** This potent term (H1892) literally means "breath," "vapor," or "futility." It denotes something fleeting, insubstantial, empty, or without lasting worth. Its extensive use throughout the book of Ecclesiastes (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - All is Vanity")) underscores the inherent meaninglessness and transient nature of all human endeavors and existence when pursued apart from God. Here, it signifies that "men of low degree," despite their potential numbers or perceived simplicity, offer no more substance or lasting help than a wisp of smoke, being inherently transitory and unsatisfactory.
* **Lie (Hebrew, _kâzâb'_):** This term (H3577) signifies falsehood, deception, or disappointment. It implies that "men of high degree," with their grand promises of power, protection, influence, or wisdom, are ultimately revealed as deceitful and unable to deliver true security or fulfill their boasts. Their perceived strength and reliability are an illusion, leading to ultimate disappointment for those who place their trust in them.
* **Balances (Hebrew, _môʼzên'_):** This word (H3976), used in the dual form, refers to a pair of scales. The imagery of "being laid in the balance" vividly depicts ancient weighing scales, which were fundamental tools for commerce, justice, and assessing worth or quantity. When human beings, whether commoners or nobles, are placed on God's scales of ultimate reality and worth, they are found to be utterly weightless, lacking any true substance, integrity, or lasting value that could provide genuine support or salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely men of low degree [are] vanity":** This clause declares that the common person, or those of humble social standing, are inherently insubstantial and fleeting. Their numerical strength, collective will, or simple promises offer no lasting foundation for trust. They are as ephemeral and unreliable as a breath, incapable of providing true security or ultimate help because they lack true substance and are subject to the same transience as all creation.
* **"[and] men of high degree [are] a lie":** In stark contrast, yet arriving at the same conclusion regarding human unreliability, this clause asserts that those in positions of power, influence, or authority are fundamentally deceptive. Their grand promises, perceived strength, or ability to manipulate circumstances are ultimately false and will inevitably lead to disappointment. They cannot deliver on the ultimate needs of the soul or provide genuine, enduring salvation, as their power is limited and their intentions often flawed.
* **"to be laid in the balance, they [are] altogether [lighter] than vanity":** This climactic phrase employs powerful imagery of divine judgment and assessment. When both categories of humanity—low and high—are collectively weighed in the divine scales of ultimate reality and worth, their combined substance is found to be not just "vanity" (a mere wisp), but "altogether lighter than vanity." This striking hyperbole dramatically emphasizes their extreme worthlessness as objects of ultimate trust, highlighting their absolute inadequacy when measured against the infinite, unchanging standard of God's character and power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 62:9 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound and sobering message. **Antithetical Parallelism** is prominently featured in the contrast between "men of low degree" and "men of high degree," juxtaposing their social standings, yet uniting them in their shared futility ("vanity" and "a lie"). This structure powerfully underscores that *all* humanity, without exception, is unreliable as a source of ultimate trust. The use of **Metaphor** is central, as human beings are equated with "vanity" (vapor, emptiness) and "a lie" (falsehood, deception), abstract concepts that vividly convey their insubstantiality and inherent unreliability. The phrase "to be laid in the balance" is a potent piece of **Imagery**, evoking the visual of ancient weighing scales, which would have been immediately understood by the original audience as a symbol of assessment, judgment, and the determination of true worth. Finally, the concluding phrase "altogether lighter than vanity" serves as striking **Hyperbole**, an intentional overstatement that dramatically emphasizes the extreme worthlessness and utter inadequacy of human reliance when compared to the infinite weight, steadfastness, and trustworthiness of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 62:9 stands as a crucial theological statement on the nature of human reliability versus divine trustworthiness. It systematically dismantles any illusion that ultimate security, salvation, or hope can be found in human beings, regardless of their social or political standing. By declaring both the common and the powerful to be "vanity" and "a lie," the psalmist underscores the universal human condition of weakness, transience, and inherent sinfulness, which renders humanity an unstable and ultimately deceptive foundation for ultimate trust. This verse thus serves as a powerful and urgent call to redirect all trust and expectation exclusively towards God, who alone possesses true substance, unchanging faithfulness, and infinite power. It prepares the reader to embrace the subsequent declarations of God's might and lovingkindness, establishing Him as the only reliable Rock and Refuge in a world of fleeting and false promises.

* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man")
* [Isaiah 2:22](/isaiah/2-22 "Isaiah 2:22 - Cease trusting in man")
* [Psalm 146:3-4](/psalms/146-3-4 "Psalm 146:3-4 - Do not put your trust in princes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that incessantly tempts us to place our hope and security in visible, tangible sources—be it political leaders, economic systems, social movements, scientific advancements, or even the promises of influential individuals—Psalm 62:9 serves as a profound and timeless corrective. It challenges us to critically examine where our ultimate security, confidence, and deepest expectations truly lie. This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of trust, reminding us that any human foundation, no matter how seemingly solid or impressive, is ultimately fleeting, deceptive, and utterly incapable of bearing the weight of our deepest needs and eternal hopes. It compels us to shift our gaze from the unstable, shifting sands of human power and promises to the unshakeable Rock of God's immutable character and unfailing faithfulness. Living out this truth means cultivating a posture of humble, absolute dependence on God alone, recognizing that true peace, enduring security, and ultimate salvation are found only in Him, and that all human efforts, apart from His sustaining grace, are indeed "lighter than vanity."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you most tempted to place your ultimate trust in human strength, systems, or promises rather than in God alone?**
* **How does understanding the "vanity" and "lie" of human reliability impact your prayers, expectations, and engagement with political leaders and societal institutions?**
* **What practical, intentional steps can you take this week to actively shift your dependence from unreliable human sources to God as your sole and sufficient refuge?**
* **How does the vivid imagery of being "laid in the balance" challenge your perception of your own worth or the worth of others apart from God's divine standard?**

### FAQ
**What does "men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase powerfully emphasizes the universal unreliability and inherent inadequacy of humanity, regardless of social status or perceived importance. "Men of low degree" refers to commoners, the humble, or the poor. "Vanity" (Hebrew: _hebel_) signifies something fleeting, empty, or without substance, like a breath or vapor. Thus, the common person offers no lasting help or security; their strength is transient and their promises insubstantial. "Men of high degree" refers to nobles, rulers, or the powerful elite. "A lie" (Hebrew: _kâzâb_) means falsehood, deception, or disappointment. This implies that the grand promises, perceived strength, or influential power of the elite are ultimately deceptive and cannot deliver true or lasting security. The combined message is that neither the masses nor the powerful can be a reliable source of ultimate trust, salvation, or genuine help; both are equally inadequate when measured against the divine standard.

**Why are humans described as "lighter than vanity" when laid in the balance?**

Answer: This powerful imagery employs the metaphor of ancient weighing scales, signifying a divine assessment or judgment of one's true value or substance. To be "laid in the balance" means to be weighed for worth. "Lighter than vanity" is a striking hyperbole, an intentional overstatement, meaning that when all human beings (both low and high) are collectively weighed in God's perfect scales, they are found to be even less substantial, even more empty, than mere vapor. It dramatically emphasizes their utter worthlessness and inadequacy as objects of ultimate trust or sources of salvation when compared to the infinite weight, steadfastness, and absolute reliability of God. It highlights that human strength, promises, and perceived importance simply do not measure up to God's eternal standard.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 62:9, in its stark declaration of universal human futility and unreliability, powerfully anticipates the absolute necessity of a divine and perfect foundation, finding its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While all humanity—"men of low degree" and "men of high degree"—are declared "vanity" and "a lie," Jesus stands as the one true Man who is neither fleeting nor deceptive. He is the very embodiment of "the truth" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) and is revealed as "the Amen, the faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")). Unlike human leaders whose promises inevitably fail and whose power is transient, Christ's words are eternal, unbreakable, and eternally reliable ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away")). When humanity is "laid in the balance" and found "lighter than vanity," Christ is revealed as the one of infinite weight and substance, the very "power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). He is the ultimate "Rock" upon whom we can build our lives without fear of collapse, providing the unshakable security and eternal hope that no human being, system, or earthly power could ever offer ([Matthew 7:24-25](/matthew/7-24-25 "Matthew 7:24-25 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). In Him, the vanity of human trust is fully exposed, and the glory of divine faithfulness is perfectly and eternally revealed.

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 39:5

Behold, thou hast made my days [as] an handbreadth; and mine age [is] as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state [is] altogether vanity. Selah.

Isaiah 40:15

Behold, the nations [are] as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.

Isaiah 40:17

All nations before him [are] as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.

Psalms 118:9

[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

Psalms 39:11

When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man [is] vanity. Selah.

1 Samuel 18:21

And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain.

1 Samuel 18:26

And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son in law: and the days were not expired.