Old Testament

Psalms 10:2

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor; let them be taken in the schemes that they have devised.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

What Psalms 10:2 means

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse highlights the behavior of the wicked, who, driven by pride, oppress those who are vulnerable, such as the poor. It suggests that the wicked use their cunning and schemes to exploit others, believing they can act without consequence. The verse also expresses a desire for justice, implying that the very traps and plans the wicked create for others will ultimately lead to their own downfall. This reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the psalmist calls for divine intervention against injustice. The verse serves as a reminder that pride can lead to harmful actions and that those who take advantage of the weak will face repercussions for their deeds. It encourages readers to trust in God's justice, knowing that He sees the wrongs done to the innocent and will act against the oppressors.

How to apply Psalms 10:2 to your life

In our daily lives, we should be aware of how pride can lead to harmful actions against others, especially those who are less fortunate. We must strive to support and uplift the vulnerable instead of exploiting them. Trusting in God's justice can help us remain hopeful in the face of injustice.

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.

A painting of Samuel anointing the young David in Bethlehem

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

An old color photograph of Hebron on a hillside above olive groves.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Psalms 10:2

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 10:2

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 10:2 mean?

Psalms 10:2 describes how the wicked, motivated by pride, oppress the poor and vulnerable. It conveys a desire for justice, indicating that the schemes of the wicked will ultimately lead to their own downfall.

What is the meaning of pride in Psalms 10:2?

In Psalms 10:2, pride refers to an arrogant attitude that leads individuals to exploit and persecute those who are weaker, such as the poor. This pride blinds them to the consequences of their actions.

How does Psalms 10:2 relate to justice?

Psalms 10:2 emphasizes the need for justice by expressing a hope that the wicked will be caught in their own traps. It reassures readers that God sees the oppression of the innocent and will act against it.

What themes are present in Psalms 10:2?

Key themes in Psalms 10:2 include pride, wickedness, oppression, justice, and divine retribution. The verse illustrates the consequences of exploiting the vulnerable and the ultimate accountability of the wicked.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.