Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the Supreme God. He alone is all that we need, and He alone provides all that we need.
“Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them” (Psalm 62:9-10).
Is David just speaking here in self-reflection, or is he talking to someone else? I think this continues his speech (from v. 8) toward others who are among his supporters. In some ways, these verses almost seem like warnings directed to his wicked attackers, and they certainly could serve that purpose, but I think they are continued exhortation and encouragement toward his friends. David is continuing to share with them the things he has learned and that have become confidence-building life convictions for him.
One seemingly odd thing about these two verses, especially if they are intended for encouragement, is that they are filled with negatives. They speak of common men and renowned men, both apparently as enemies. They speak of oppression, robbery, and riches. None of these seem positive in connotation, but they actually are when the conclusion is reached.
David considers each of these negatives to be empty. Take the men of low degree – the common or even base men of society. These men can easily be roused into powerful mobs or crowds of malcontents bent on doing evil. Even the vast quantity of these men does not make them powerful; they are vanity. What about the men of high degree – men of rank? Surely they are the ones with the power and influence. No, David says. Their apparent influence and prestige is just a lie; there is nothing real to it.
Take all these men together, both the numerous base men and the scarcer elite men, and put them on one side of a balance. What an imposing weight that must be! Not so, says David. Alone or together they still are lighter than vanity. The side of the scales they are in would go shooting up to the sky. They weigh less than breath.
Let’s move on from men themselves to some of the apparent sources of men’s power. Oppression – the philosophy of “Might makes right.” Those who are the biggest bullies get whatever they want. Robbery – shamelessly stealing what does not belong to you, leaving others so deprived that they can’t fight back. Riches – whoever has the most money can buy anything he needs, including “loyalty” and violence. David exhorts not to trust in any of these. Don’t count on them. They are fickle, weak, and undependable. They give the illusion of strength but no reliable fortitude.
Although these verses talk about negative factors, the point is that none of those negatives are substantial, no matter how threatening they may seem when used against someone or how bolstering they may seem when used by someone. The weakness is seen by contrast. David will state it outright in v. 11, but even a thoughtful consideration of vs. 9-10 leads to the conclusion that these supposed powers are weak in comparison with God. There is an infinite contrast between God and anything else.
This whole psalm is about where to place one’s trust. Each of the options listed here is invalid. This is similar to the message of Ecclesiastes. Man can try all kinds of things that he thinks will give him hope and success, but they are all empty. Asaph learned the same lesson in Psalm 73. It might seem like the wicked are winning, but they are in a fragile position and will soon fall. This is what David is expressing through the picture of the scales. What is on the other side of the scales that makes men so light that they rise to the top? The true source of trust - God. Nothing compares to Him. Nothing can hope to even equal Him in the balances, let alone outweigh Him.
If God is on our side, it does not matter what is on the other side. The forces that seem most threatening are no match. Even unrestrained evil, which seems uncontrollable, is really not so powerful. One person can have God, while another person can have everything else, and God will prove to be more faithful and reliable. God will bring the salvation that other resources cannot achieve. If all these negatives cannot be depended on for help, neither should they be feared. Realizing that God far surpasses them removes the fear that comes from threats and oppression. With God on our side, the threats are really not that threatening.
May our great God uphold you this week and put all the threats to shame.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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