Old Testament
Psalms 9:15
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse highlights a powerful truth about justice and consequences.
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
The nations have sunk down in the pit that they made; in the net which they hid, their own foot is taken.
The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights a powerful truth about justice and consequences. It describes how nations or people who plot evil against others often end up falling into their own traps. The 'pit' and 'net' symbolize the schemes and plans they create to harm others. Instead of succeeding, they find themselves ensnared by their own actions. This serves as a reminder that wrongdoing can lead to self-destruction. The verse emphasizes that God sees these injustices and will ensure that those who do evil will face the repercussions of their actions. It reassures the faithful that while the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their own deceit will ultimately lead to their downfall. This theme of divine justice is prevalent throughout the Psalms, encouraging believers to trust in God's righteousness and timing.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Psalms 9:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and intentions. It reminds us to avoid plotting harm against others, as such actions can backfire. Instead, we should focus on kindness and integrity, trusting that God will handle justice in His time.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 9:15 mean?
Psalms 9:15 means that those who plot evil against others often end up suffering the consequences of their own actions. The verse illustrates how their schemes can lead to their downfall, emphasizing the idea of divine justice.
What is the significance of the 'pit' and 'net' in Psalms 9:15?
The 'pit' and 'net' in Psalms 9:15 symbolize the traps and schemes that people create to harm others. The verse suggests that these very traps can ensnare the ones who set them, highlighting the theme of self-destruction.
How does Psalms 9:15 relate to justice?
Psalms 9:15 relates to justice by illustrating that wrongdoing does not go unpunished. It conveys the message that God will ensure that those who plot harm against others will eventually fall into their own traps.
What lesson can we learn from Psalms 9:15?
The lesson from Psalms 9:15 is to avoid plotting harm against others, as such actions can lead to our own downfall. Instead, it encourages us to act with kindness and integrity, trusting in God's timing for justice.

The Book of Psalms
Psalm 1: Two Paths
This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.
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