but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The most striking thing here is that God's laughter isn't about joy, but about a profound, divine perspective. He's not just amused; He sees the wicked's "day" – their appointed time of destruction – is already certain and coming, which is why their present scheming is utterly futile from His eternal viewpoint.
but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a conversation about how to live when the wicked seem to be thriving and causing trouble for those who are trying to follow God. The psalmist describes the wicked plotting and scheming against the righteous, even "gnashing their teeth" in anger. In response to this tension, the psalm reveals God's perspective: He doesn't panic or fret, but rather laughs because He knows the ultimate outcome.
When the wicked plot and rage against us, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But David shows us a completely different perspective.
The Contrast of Reactions
The passage paints a stark picture: the wicked are "gnashing upon him with his teeth" (Psalm 37:12). This isn't just mild annoyance; it's intense, visceral fury and a malicious intent to destroy.
Yet, in response, God "laughs." This isn't a laugh of amusement at suffering, but a divine expression of sovereign contempt for their futile rage. It signifies utter confidence in His ultimate control and the certainty of their downfall. While the wicked are consumed by anger, God, from His vantage point, sees their plans as insignificant and doomed.
Why does God laugh? It's because He has a unique perspective on time and judgment. What does He see that we often miss?
The Certainty of Retribution
The reason for God's laughter is His clear sight: "for he sees that his day is coming." This "day" refers to the appointed time of judgment and reckoning for the wicked.
It's a day of destruction for them, a day when their schemes will be overturned, and their power extinguished. Unlike us, who often focus on the immediate moment and can despair when injustice seems to prevail, God sees the full scope of history. He knows that their temporary success is just that – temporary. Their "day" of punishment is as sure as His own existence, even if it's delayed from our perspective.
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Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel who is sovereign over all creation and history, especially in His judgment of evil.
sachaq · Hebrew Verb
In this context, a symbol of God's absolute sovereignty and scorn for the futile efforts of human rebellion against His divine order.
This passage directly echoes the sentiment of God's divine amusement at the futile rage of human opposition, highlighting His ultimate control and the inevitable failure of wicked schemes.
Proverbs 6:12-15It describes the character of the wicked who plot and scheme with malicious intent, providing a backdrop for why God would 'laugh' at their futile attempts against the righteous.
Job 18:12-20This passage vividly portrays the impending doom and destruction that awaits the wicked, aligning with the idea that God sees 'his day' of reckoning coming, a day of ruin for the evildoer.
Luke 21:20-24Jesus speaks of Jerusalem's destruction, illustrating how God's judgment ('his day') comes upon those who oppose Him and His people, even if delayed, confirming the certainty of divine retribution.
Romans 2:5-8This passage directly addresses the concept of God's appointed day of judgment for the wicked, emphasizing His patience while assuring that His wrath will be poured out, mirroring the certainty implied in Psalm 37:13.
calvinPsalms 37:12-15: "The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth."
The wicked plotteth against the righteous, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. 13. But the Lord [27] shall laugh at him; for he seeth that his day is coming. 14. The wicked draw their sword, and bend their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay those that are of upright ways. 15. But their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bow shall be broken.
The wicked plotteth…
jfbPsalms 37:13: "The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming."
- (Compare Ps 2:4).seeth—knows certainly.his day—of punishment, long delayed, shall yet come (Heb 10:37).
The most striking thing here is that God's laughter isn't about joy, but about a profound, divine perspective. He's not just amused; He sees the wicked's "day" – their appointed time of destruction – is already certain and coming, which is why their present scheming is utterly futile from His eternal viewpoint.
This psalm is a conversation about how to live when the wicked seem to be thriving and causing trouble for those who are trying to follow God. The psalmist describes the wicked plotting and scheming against the righteous, even "gnashing their teeth" in anger. In response to this tension, the psalm reveals God's perspective: He doesn't panic or fret, but rather laughs because He knows the ultimate outcome.
This psalm is a conversation about how to live when the wicked seem to be thriving and causing trouble for those who are trying to follow God. The psalmist describes the wicked plotting and scheming against the righteous, even "gnashing their teeth" in anger. In response to this tension, the psalm reveals God's perspective: He doesn't panic or fret, but rather laughs because He knows the ultimate outcome.
"but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming." — The most striking thing here is that God's laughter isn't about joy, but about a profound, divine perspective. He's not just amused; He sees the wicked's "day" – their appointed time of destruction –…
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Last reviewed October 2026