Chapter Summary

The psalmist meditates on the wicked and desires to see them humbled under God's hand.

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 10

1. Read through psalm 10 in its entirety. As you do so, note what emotions come to mind. How do these change over the course of the psalm? In what state does David begin this psalm, and in what state does David end it?
2. Do you believe David was right to question God in verse 1? Do you believe God was displeased by David's questions? Why or why not?
3. Look at the description of the wicked person in verses 2-11. What are some of the actions/verbs connected to this person? Do his victims view him as powerful or powerless? Does he view himself as powerful or powerless? In contrast, how does God view him?
4. In verse 5, the wicked man's "ways prosper at all times" (ESV). Is this really true? If not, what might David be trying to convey here?
5. According to verse 11, the wicked person believes God does not see or take account the actions he is committing against others, and this justifies his wrongdoing. Why is his assumption incorrect? How is this a warning to evildoers but a comfort to believers?
6. What does it mean to you to know that God sees any injustice committed against you and will not forget it, that there will ultimately be justice for any and all wrongdoing?
7. Can you think of any ways you have acted unjustly toward others? Has God led you to act towards reconciliation in this circumstance? Have you listened? Why or why not?
8. God sees and loves the outsiders, those whom society has often forgotten. Do you believe the church of God has reflected this love in their care for the outcast? Why or why not?
9. According to verse 17, the Lord "strengthens the hearts" of the afflicted (ESV). Does this sound like he always removes the affliction? How might God use affliction to "strengthen" a believer?
10. Though earthly rulers come and go, who is "king forever" (ESV)? Do we spend more time thinking of our earthly rulers or our Heavenly Ruler? How might rearranging this priority bring peace to our lives?

Key Words/Phrase

Wicked, v. 2.

Characters

Psalmist, God.

Strong Verse(s)

17, 18.