Psalm 14 6

Psalm 14:6 kjv

Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.

Psalm 14:6 nkjv

You shame the counsel of the poor, But the LORD is his refuge.

Psalm 14:6 niv

You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.

Psalm 14:6 esv

You would shame the plans of the poor, but the LORD is his refuge.

Psalm 14:6 nlt

The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,
but the LORD will protect his people.

Psalm 14 verses

Psalm 14 6 Meaning

Psalm 14:6 proclaims that the ungodly, characterized by their rejection of God, actively attempt to shame, undermine, or invalidate the trust and life path of the righteous, often identified as "the poor" or afflicted. However, this verse reveals the absolute futility of their schemes. Their efforts are utterly confounded because the Lord Himself, the sovereign covenant God, stands as the secure and unfailing refuge for those who depend on Him. This verse contrasts the misguided confidence of the wicked with the unshakable security of God's faithful people, whose safety is guaranteed by divine protection.

Psalm 14 6 Context

Psalm 14, and its parallel Psalm 53, open with the stark declaration that "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" This psalm describes the practical atheism and moral corruption that stems from such a mindset, characterizing humanity as thoroughly depraved and performing no good. The wicked oppress God's people, whom the psalm often refers to as "the poor" or "the righteous generation." Verse 6 is a pivotal point, directly addressing the actions of these wicked oppressors who try to discredit the very lifestyle and spiritual posture of dependence on God. The "poor" (aniy) here is not just a socio-economic designation but profoundly describes those who are humble, afflicted, and utterly dependent on God, making them objects of scorn for the self-reliant wicked, yet special beneficiaries of divine care. The verse thus sets up a strong polemic against any worldview that presumes human autonomy or an absent/indifferent God, highlighting that ultimate power and truth reside solely with Yahweh, who actively protects His own.

Psalm 14 6 Word analysis

• Ye have shamed (הֹבַ֬שְׁתֶּם ho-vash-tem): From the root bosh (בוש), meaning to be put to shame, confounded, disgraced, disappointed, or to put someone to confusion. It implies more than mere embarrassment; it suggests an active effort by the wicked to make the "counsel of the poor" seem worthless, naive, or futile. This verb speaks to their intent to dishearten, frustrate, and ridicule the faith of the oppressed.
• the counsel (עֲצַת at-zat): From etsah (עֵצָה), referring to advice, plan, purpose, or guidance. Here, it signifies the core life strategy, decisions, or the very source of guidance (God Himself) upon which the "poor" rely. It speaks to their wisdom of trusting in God, which the wicked mock, perceiving it as folly or a delusion in the face of suffering or opposition.
• of the poor (עָנִי a-niy): From aniy (עָנִי), meaning afflicted, humble, oppressed, meek, lowly, or poor. In this biblical context, it refers not primarily to financial status but to a spiritual disposition and social condition—those who are humble and wholly dependent on God amidst oppression or disadvantage. They are the righteous who rely solely on God for their deliverance and justice, starkly contrasting with the arrogant and self-sufficient "fool" who denies God.
• because (כִּי ki): This conjunction serves a crucial explanatory role, signifying the reason or ground for something. It explains why the wicked target the poor's counsel, and critically, it also implicitly reveals why the wicked ultimately fail: the very truth they ignore or despise—God's protective presence.
• the LORD (יְהֹוָה Yahweh): The covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent, faithful, and personal nature. The use of Yahweh emphasizes His sovereignty, unchangeable character, and His specific commitment to His people, making Him an active and reliable protector against all adversaries.
• is his refuge (מַחְסֵהוּ mach-se-hu): From machseh (מַחְסֶה), meaning a shelter, haven, protection, or strong hope. This noun highlights God as a place of absolute safety and security, where the believer can find protection from all threats and a steadfast foundation for their trust. It underscores the divine assurance that their reliance is not misplaced but truly guarantees their safety.

Words-group analysis:

• "Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor": This phrase encapsulates the malevolent intent of the wicked. They not only seek to exploit the vulnerable but actively attempt to undermine their faith and trust in God. They mock the very principles that guide the righteous, perhaps through taunts or by trying to demonstrate that their suffering disproves God's care. Their goal is to prove God unreliable and the "poor" foolish for trusting Him.
• "because the LORD is his refuge": This crucial clause reveals a profound divine irony. The "because" functions paradoxically: the wicked target the counsel of the poor precisely because the poor depend on the Lord, viewing this dependence as weakness. Yet, this very reason—God being their refuge—is why the wicked's attempts will fail and why they will ultimately be put to shame. God's unwavering protection validates the poor's trust and frustrates the oppressor's designs.

Psalm 14 6 Bonus section

The phrase "the counsel of the poor" implicitly contrasts with the wicked's own self-serving, often arrogant, "counsel" or plans. While the wicked plot harm, the poor find their guidance and trust in God, a posture deemed foolish by worldly standards (1 Cor 1:18-25). The shame experienced by the wicked is not just embarrassment; in biblical thought, bosh also implies being utterly frustrated, disappointed, or having one's plans completely nullified. This outcome is vividly confirmed in the parallel Psalm 53:5, which explicitly states that God "scattered the bones of him that encamped against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them." This highlights God's active intervention and the reversal of fortunes: the wicked's attempts to bring shame result in their own public disgrace and utter failure, demonstrating God's vindication of the righteous. The "refuge" motif signifies not merely a passive place of hiding but an active divine defense, where God personally shields and champions His dependent ones.

Psalm 14 6 Commentary

Psalm 14:6 stands as a divine assertion against the misguided power and malice of the wicked. The godless, who deny God or live as if He does not exist, frequently attempt to demean and invalidate the humble reliance of the righteous—often the oppressed and faithful who depend wholly on God. Their objective is to demonstrate that such faith is foolish, that God is absent, or that His protection is non-existent, particularly when the faithful endure suffering or vulnerability. However, the verse unveils a truth that dismantles the wicked's premise: the very God they deny, Yahweh, is the impenetrable refuge for His people. Their attempts to shame are futile, destined to boomerang, because they are effectively challenging the Almighty Himself. This profound statement provides enduring comfort and strength for believers facing scorn, opposition, or affliction, affirming that their security is not derived from worldly power but rests immutably in the unshakeable nature of God. Their confidence in Him is not foolishness but a source of impenetrable defense.