Psalms 62:3

How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.

Psalms 62:3 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 62 is a psalm of David, written when he faced enemies who plotted against him. In the opening verses, David declares that his soul waits upon God, who is his rock and salvation. This verse is part of that prayer, as David turns from his own trust in God to address those who attack him.

Meaning

The question “How long will ye imagine mischief against a man?” is a cry of frustration. The Hebrew word for “imagine” means to devise or plan. Jewish commentators note that it can also mean to stretch out the tongue in lies and slander, which connects to verse 4. The “man” is likely David himself, a single, weak, and innocent person, which makes the enemies’ attacks even more unjust.

The second half of the verse pronounces judgment: “ye shall be slain all of you.” David is confident that God will not let the wicked succeed forever. The images of a “bowing wall” and a “tottering fence” describe something unstable and ready to fall. The enemies may seem strong, but they are like a cracked wall that will collapse under its own weight.

Biblical connections

This verse echoes the broader teaching of Scripture that God defends the helpless and brings down the proud. In Psalm 62:1-2, David finds safety in God alone, and here he trusts that same God to act against his enemies. The contrast between the wicked who plot and the righteous who trust is a central theme of the psalms.

Application

When people scheme against us, we may feel like a tottering fence, vulnerable and ready to fall. This verse reminds us that God sees every plan of evil and will bring justice in His time. We can bring our fears to Him and wait for Him to act, rather than taking revenge ourselves.

Reflection

David’s words call us to examine our own hearts. Do we ever “imagine mischief” against others through gossip or deceit? The same God who judges the wicked also calls us to walk in honesty and trust. Let us place our confidence in Him, who is our rock and our salvation.