Psalms 10:13

Psalms 10:13

Verse 13 returns to the inner mindset of the wicked: “Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.” This line reveals a brazen mockery of divine justice—the belief that God won’t hold wrongdoing accountable. In a world where people can prosper through exploitation, such a stance may seem plausible. The psalmist names the internal theology of the oppressor, not just their external acts, showing how belief shapes behavior. The phrase “contemn God” signals contempt for moral order and divine oversight. It also reflects prophetic traditions where resistance to divine accountability is a central theme. The idea that divine judgment is delayed can breed complacency, yet Scripture consistently asserts that God sees all, judges rightly, and will require an accounting of actions.

This verse underscores a core biblical premise: human defiance toward God will not remain unpunished. The notion of God “requiring it” ties to the covenantal belief that God holds individuals and societies to a standard of righteousness. Theologically, it affirms divine omniscience and justice, warning against self-deception that God is indifferent. It also invites readers to engage in prophetic hope—trust that truth-telling and repentance are possible because God abhors systemic injustice and will act in justice.

Apply this today by examining where cynicism toward God has fostered wrongdoing. If you hear people treat moral order as negotiable, be prepared to speak truth with humility and courage. Encourage ethical standards at work or in community life, resist compromising situations that privilege expediency over justice, and mentor others to hold institutions accountable. This verse invites believers to be voices of integrity who do not normalize contempt for divine authority, but who model respectful, just behavior that reflects God’s standards.

Cross-References: Psalm 1:4-5; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 5:20-21; Romans 1:18-23; Jude 1:15