Psalms 92:6

Commentary on Psalms 92:6 KJV

Psalms 92:6 states, "A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this." This verse serves as a stark contrast to the preceding verses which celebrate the greatness of God's works and the depth of His thoughts. It highlights the inability of the spiritually unperceptive to grasp divine truths.

Context

Psalm 92 is titled "A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day," suggesting its use in worship and reflection on God's character and deeds. The psalm opens with an invitation to give thanks to the Lord, to declare His lovingkindness and faithfulness (Psalm 92:1-2). The psalmist then praises God for His "great works" and "very deep" thoughts (Psalm 92:5). Verse 6 directly follows this declaration, implying that the "brutish man" and "fool" are incapable of understanding these profound realities—namely, God's sovereignty, His justice, and the ultimate fate of the wicked and the righteous, which are elaborated in the subsequent verses.

Key Themes

• Spiritual Blindness: The verse emphasizes a profound lack of spiritual discernment. Those described as "brutish" or "foolish" are depicted as unable to comprehend the glorious works and deep wisdom of God.
• Divine Wisdom vs. Human Folly: It draws a sharp distinction between God's profound wisdom and the limited, often self-destructive, understanding of those who reject or ignore divine truth.
• Consequences of Ignorance: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Psalm 92 (verses 7-9) shows that this ignorance leads to the eventual destruction of the wicked, in contrast to the flourishing of the righteous (verses 12-15).

Linguistic Insights

• "Brutish man" (Hebrew: ba'ar - בַּעַר): This term literally means "dull," "stupid," or "like a beast." It refers to someone lacking moral and spiritual intelligence, operating purely on instinct or superficial understanding, without reflection or insight into divine matters.
• "Fool" (Hebrew: kesil - כְּסִיל): This is a common biblical term for a person who is not merely intellectually deficient but morally and spiritually perverse. A kesil is someone who actively chooses folly, despises wisdom, and acts contrary to God's will and truth. This kind of fool is often characterized in the book of Proverbs.
• "Understand this" (Hebrew: yabhin zeh - יָבִין זֶה): The "this" refers directly back to the "great works of the Lord" and His "very deep thoughts" mentioned in Psalm 92:5. It encompasses God's creation, His providential care, His justice, and His ultimate plan for humanity.

Practical Application

Psalms 92:6 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual perception and wisdom. It challenges believers to not be like the "brutish man" or "fool" who cannot discern God's hand in the world or understand His purposes. Instead, we are called to cultivate a heart that seeks to know and understand God's ways.

• Seek Spiritual Discernment: This verse underscores the necessity of having a spiritual mind to comprehend God's truths. As 1 Corinthians 2:14 states, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
• Reflect on God's Works: Take time to ponder God's creation, His faithfulness, and His justice. The psalmist encourages us to meditate on these things, especially on the Sabbath, finding joy and understanding in them.
• Embrace Wisdom: Actively pursue wisdom through studying God's Word, prayer, and seeking His guidance. This helps us avoid the pitfalls of folly and a shallow understanding of life's deepest realities.