Psalms 109:11
Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour.
Psalms 109:11
This verse asks for the offender’s wealth to be seized by extortioners and strangers, leaving him with nothing of value. It envisions a total reversal of fortune as a form of divine justice. In an agrarian and commerce-centered society, looting and loss of property would be devastating, and this would reveal the offender’s true accountability before God and community. The imprecatory impulse expresses a desire for the social consequences of evil to match its personal harm, not merely a private grievance. The verse demonstrates the seriousness with which the psalmist wants wrongdoing addressed, including its spillover into economic security.
Economics in biblical wisdom is tied to justice and stewardship. The verse reinforces that wealth without integrity is unstable and that God can reorder economic conditions to correct injustice. It also cautions readers about the vulnerability of the poor and marginalized who suffer when the powerful exploit others. Theologically, it reminds us that God’s justice encompasses social and economic dimensions, not just personal moral failings.
If you’re in a position of wealth or influence, this verse invites humility and ethical stewardship: guard against exploiting others, share resources, and advocate for fairness. If you’ve experienced financial harm due to others’ wrongdoing, seek restorative avenues: legal recourse, support networks, and community justice initiatives. Practical wisdom includes transparent budgeting, charitable giving, and seeking accountability for those who abuse power.
Cross-References: Amos 8:4-6; James 5:1-6; Proverbs 22:16; Luke 12:15