Christianity

Psalms 62My Soul Waits in Silence

Summary

Psalm 62 is a quiet song of trust in which the psalmist says his soul waits in silence for God alone, his rock and salvation. He confronts those who plot to topple him, blessing with their mouths while cursing inwardly. He urges the people to pour out their hearts to God and not to trust in oppression or riches, since all people weigh less than a breath. It ends saying power belongs to God, along with mercy. It is headed to Jeduthun.

Key verse

“Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.”

Psalms 62:1

Themes

Silent Trust
God Alone
Vanity of Riches
Power and Mercy

Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

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.

They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Text: King James Version (1611/1769), public domain.

Across traditions

Islam
Surah Ar-Ra'd (13): In Remembrance Hearts Find Rest
Quran 13:28 says hearts find rest in the remembrance of God. Psalm 62 similarly locates rest for the soul in God alone, waiting in quiet rather than speaking.
Judaism
Tehillim 62 in the JPS 1917 Tanakh
Jeduthun, named in the heading, was one of David's chief Levite musicians. Jewish commentators note that the opening verse speaks literally of the soul being silent toward God.

Questions about Psalms 62

What does my soul waiteth upon God mean?

The Hebrew of Psalm 62:1 says literally that the soul is silent toward God. It describes calm, patient trust rather than anxious activity.

What does Psalm 62 say about money?

Verse 10 warns, if riches increase, set not your heart upon them, and verse 9 says people of all ranks are lighter than vanity.