Psalms 14:6
Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.
Psalms 14:6
This verse pronounces a lament on how “the counsel of the poor” is shamed by the bluster of the rich or powerful who ignore the Lord. The righteous are portrayed as those who cry for justice, while the powerful dismiss them or treat them as inferior. The psalmist’s complaint rests on a deep conviction: God is a refuge for the vulnerable, and human scales of justice often fail without divine intervention. The verse also calls the community to rethink how it treats the poor and marginalized, warning against social arrogance that obscures truth and mercy.
This verse centers on God as refuge and advocate for the afflicted, highlighting the biblical insistence that true security is found in Him, not in status or wealth. It emphasizes that justice is a priority in God’s economy, and human failure to protect the vulnerable is a failure to honor God. It connects with prophetic calls to defend the weak and a consistent ethic of care, which Jesus later embodies in his ministry to the outcast.
In daily life, examine how you respond to the vulnerable in your sphere: coworkers with fewer resources, neighbors in distress, or strangers in need. Do you use your influence to marginalize them, or do you advocate for them and share your resources? Practical acts: mentor a younger colleague, support social programs for the poor, or use your platform to highlight injustices. Remember that God is a refuge; when you feel oppressed, bring your concerns to Him and seek shelter in His justice and mercy.
Cross-References
- Psalm 37:9-11
- Proverbs 19:17
- Isaiah 1:17
- James 2:1-8
- Matthew 25:34-40