Psalms 16:2

Psalms 16:2

Verse 2: “O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;” communicates a personal confession of God’s lordship and an honest recognition of human insufficiency. The psalmist addresses his own inner life, acknowledging that even at his best, human goodness cannot add to God’s goodness. The line “my goodness extendeth not to thee” signals humility: our moral achievements do not strengthen God; rather, they reveal dependence on Him. The verse sits within a psalm of intimate relationship with God, where the speaker’s heart is laid bare before Yahweh, expressing loyalty and dependence.

This verse emphasizes creaturely dependence on the Creator. It reflects a common biblical theme: God’s goodness is the source of all moral value, and human beings cannot “add” to God’s worth. It also helps explain why the psalmist’s devotion results in trust, blessing, and alignment with God’s will. Theologically, it guards against arrogance and self-sufficiency—an important corrective in both ancient and modern contexts. It’s a reminder that our best deeds are rooted in God’s gracious enablement and do not attempt to monetize or supplement God’s majesty.

Practical steps:

- Cultivate daily awareness of God’s sufficiency; avoid measuring your worth by achievements alone.

- Practice gratitude for God’s goodness rather than worshiping your own moral performance.

- Invite God to “extend goodness” into places of need—serve others, recognizing your limits and relying on Him.

Cross-References: Psalm 20:7; Psalm 52:7; Isaiah 26:12; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 3:5