Old Testament
Psalms 10:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
His ways are always grievous; your judgments are far above, out of his sight; as for all his enemies, he puffs at them.
Compare translations
His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.
What Psalms 10:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist reflects on the behavior of the wicked. The phrase "his ways are always grievous" suggests that the actions of the wicked are harmful and troubling. The reference to God's judgments being "far above, out of his sight" indicates that the wicked do not recognize or care about divine justice. They live as if they are above accountability, dismissing God's authority. The imagery of the wicked puffing at their enemies shows their arrogance and contempt, as if they are mocking those who oppose them. This verse highlights the disconnect between the wicked's perception of their own power and the reality of God's ultimate authority and justice. It serves as a reminder that, despite the apparent success of the wicked, they are ultimately blind to the consequences of their actions and the reality of divine judgment.
How to apply Psalms 10:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain aware of our actions and their impact on others. It reminds us that arrogance and disregard for God's justice can lead to harmful behaviors. We should strive to live righteously, recognizing that our choices matter and that God sees all.
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 10:5
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 10:5
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 10:5 mean?
Psalms 10:5 reflects on the behavior of the wicked, indicating that their actions are harmful and troubling. It highlights their disregard for God's justice and their arrogance in dismissing divine authority.
What is the meaning of 'his ways are always grievous' in Psalms 10:5?
'His ways are always grievous' means that the actions of the wicked consistently cause harm and distress. This phrase emphasizes the negative impact of their behavior on others.
What does 'thy judgments are far above out of his sight' mean in Psalms 10:5?
This phrase suggests that the wicked do not recognize or care about God's justice, living as if they are above accountability. It indicates a disconnect between their actions and the reality of divine judgment.
How can we apply Psalms 10:5 to our lives?
This verse encourages us to be mindful of our actions and their effects on others. It reminds us to avoid arrogance and to recognize that our choices have consequences, as God sees all.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.