Old Testament
Psalms 10:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Why does the wicked contemn God? He has said in his heart, You will not require it.
Compare translations
Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.
What Psalms 10:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist questions why the wicked disregard God and His authority. The wicked person believes that God will not hold them accountable for their actions, thinking that they can escape judgment. This attitude reflects a deep-seated arrogance and a lack of reverence for God. The psalmist highlights the foolishness of this belief, as it underestimates God's justice and sovereignty. The verse serves as a reminder that God sees all actions and will ultimately require accountability from everyone, regardless of their current mindset. The wicked's contempt for God stems from a false sense of security in their wrongdoing, believing they can act without consequence. This verse challenges readers to reflect on their own attitudes towards God and to recognize the importance of living in a way that honors Him, rather than dismissing His authority.
How to apply Psalms 10:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards God. We should avoid the mindset of the wicked who believe they can act without consequence. Instead, we should live with a sense of accountability, recognizing that our actions matter to God and that He will ultimately judge us.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 10:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 10:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 10:13 mean about the wicked's attitude towards God?
Psalms 10:13 addresses the arrogance of the wicked who dismiss God's authority and believe they will not face consequences for their actions. This verse highlights their contempt for God, suggesting that they feel secure in their wrongdoing and underestimate God's justice. It serves as a warning that such attitudes are foolish, as God sees all and will hold everyone accountable.
How can I apply the message of Psalms 10:13 in my life?
To apply the message of Psalms 10:13, reflect on your own attitudes towards God and accountability. Avoid adopting a mindset that disregards God's authority or assumes you can act without consequences. Instead, strive to live with integrity, recognizing that your actions matter to God and that He will ultimately judge them. This awareness can help you cultivate a deeper reverence for God.
Why is accountability important according to Psalms 10:13?
Accountability is crucial according to Psalms 10:13 because it reminds us that our actions have consequences. The verse illustrates that even those who feel secure in their wrongdoing will ultimately face God's judgment. Recognizing this can encourage individuals to live righteously and honorably, understanding that God sees all and will require accountability from everyone.
What themes are present in Psalms 10:13?
Psalms 10:13 encompasses several key themes, including wickedness, contempt for God, accountability, judgment, arrogance, and divine justice. These themes highlight the serious implications of disregarding God's authority and the importance of living a life that acknowledges His sovereignty and the reality of eventual judgment.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.