Psalms 26:10
in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that the wicked aren't just imagining evil ("mischief" conceived in the heart), but actively carrying out their corrupt plans with their hands. Moreover, their "right hand" – the hand typically used for action and justice – is "full of bribes," revealing a systemic corruption that perverts righteousness itself.
David is contrasting himself with wicked people, whom he doesn't want to be associated with. He describes these individuals as actively engaged in schemes of wickedness and corrupting justice through bribery, highlighting their deep moral depravity. He then affirms his own commitment to integrity, praying for God's judgment and redemption from such company.
Ever seen someone twist the truth or abuse their power for personal gain? This verse paints a vivid picture of such individuals.
The psalmist here describes the wicked not just by their thoughts, but by their actions, particularly how they use their hands.
Evil Devices in Hand
The phrase 'in whose hands is mischief' points to people who actively plan and carry out wicked schemes. It's not just a fleeting bad thought; it's a consistent engagement in 'evil devices' – well-thought-out plans for causing harm or injustice. This points to a deep-seated corruption that manifests in tangible actions.
The Right Hand of Bribes
'Their right hand is full of bribes' is a powerful image. The right hand is often associated with strength, action, and making decisions. For these individuals, it's filled with bribes – gifts given to pervert justice. This means they are actively using their position and influence to ensure unfair outcomes, blinding judges and twisting the truth for their own profit. It speaks to a systemic corruption where justice is bought and sold.
When surrounded by injustice, how do you maintain your own path? This verse sets up a stark contrast that calls us to a higher standard.
Psalms 26:10 isn't just a description of the wicked; it's a backdrop against which the psalmist, David, defines his own commitment to God.
A World of Corruption
David is describing a society where corruption is rampant, especially among those in positions of power. The 'mischief' and 'bribes' fill the hands of judges and leaders, meaning justice is not blind but bought. It’s a system where integrity is trampled and faithfulness is ignored for personal gain.
The Stance of the Righteous
In contrast to this pervasive corruption, David declares his own commitment to integrity. He doesn't want his soul 'gathered with wicked men' (verse 9) because he detests their ways. His prayer for God to judge him is based on his own walk in integrity and trust in the Lord (verse 1). This psalm is David's declaration that while the world may be crooked, his path is set on God's truth.
Understand the original words
mezimmah · Hebrew Noun
Evil purposes, malicious plans, or schemes directed against others. It denotes the premeditated intent to do harm and subvert justice.
shochad · Hebrew Noun
Gifts or payments offered to sway judgment or corrupt integrity. In biblical law, taking bribes is strictly condemned as it perverts justice and manifests a heart given to greed over righteousness.
This psalm likely arose during a time of significant political and social upheaval, possibly the late monarchy period when corruption was rampant and the threat of foreign empires loomed. The psalmist's denunciation of those with 'evil devices' and 'bribes' highlights a desperate plea for divine justice amidst a society where leaders perverted judgment for personal gain.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David rules over a unified Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital and bringing a period of relative peace and prosperity.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign Begins
David's son Solomon ascends the throne, inheriting a stable kingdom but later leading it toward division through his policies and idolatry.
c. 930 BC
Kingdom Splits
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to political instability and corruption.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Assyrian Influence Grows
The powerful Assyrian Empire begins to exert significant influence and pressure on the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, demanding tribute and threatening invasion.
This verse directly echoes the theme, stating that 'a good person obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked devices he will condemn,' highlighting the deliberate 'devices' of the wicked mentioned in Psalms 26:10.
Isaiah 1:23This passage paints a vivid picture of corrupt leaders who are 'companions of thieves' and 'love gifts, and chase after rewards,' mirroring the description of hands 'full of bribes' in Psalms 26:10.
Ezekiel 22:12Here, the prophet condemns those who have 'taken gifts to shed blood' and have taken 'usury and gain,' further illustrating the corruption and greed associated with those who have 'right hands full of bribes.'
Matthew 7:15Jesus warns about 'false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.' This connects to the 'evil devices' as the hidden, malicious intentions of those who appear righteous but are corrupt.
James 5:1-6This passage strongly condemns the rich who 'have stored up treasure for the last days' and have 'condemned and murdered the righteous,' reflecting the societal injustice and exploitation driven by greed and 'evil devices' similar to those in Psalms 26:10.
gillPsalms 26:10: "In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes."
In whose hands is mischief,.... Every abominable wickedness; as idolatry, adultery, murder, &c. the word signifies and is sometimes used for mischief conceived in the mind, artificially devised and contrived there; here mischief committed, the hand being the instrument of action, and intends whatever is prejudicial to the person, character, and properties of men; and their right hand is full of bribes; whereby t…
pulpitPsalms 26:10: "In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes."
Verse 10. - In whose hands is mischief; i.e. who are always occupied with some mischief or other - always engaged in carrying out wicked devices (see Proverbs 12:2; Proverbs 14:17). And their right hand is full of bribes. Which they have taken to condemn the innocent (comp. Psalm 15:5; Isaiah 1:23; Jeremiah 22:17, Ezekiel 22:12; Hosea 4:10; Micah 3:11, etc.).
The verse highlights that the wicked aren't just imagining evil ("mischief" conceived in the heart), but actively carrying out their corrupt plans with their hands. Moreover, their "right hand" – the hand typically used for action and justice – is "full of bribes," revealing a systemic corruption that perverts righteousness itself.
David is contrasting himself with wicked people, whom he doesn't want to be associated with. He describes these individuals as actively engaged in schemes of wickedness and corrupting justice through bribery, highlighting their deep moral depravity. He then affirms his own commitment to integrity, praying for God's judgment and redemption from such company.
David is contrasting himself with wicked people, whom he doesn't want to be associated with. He describes these individuals as actively engaged in schemes of wickedness and corrupting justice through bribery, highlighting their deep moral depravity. He then affirms his own commitment to integrity, praying for God's judgment and redemption from such company.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 26:10 is available in the Sola app.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrians, its capital Samaria falls, and many of its people are exiled, a stark warning to Judah.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The Neo-Babylonian Empire, having defeated Assyria, conquers Jerusalem and exiles a large portion of Judah's population, destroying the Temple.
"in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes." — The verse highlights that the wicked aren't just imagining evil ("mischief" conceived in the heart), but actively carrying out their corrupt plans with their hands. Moreover, their "right hand" – the…
