This psalm was quoted by Paul in Romans 2 to describe God’s judgment. David cried out to God for protection and peace when he was assaulted and betrayed by those (likely in his own court or Saul’s) who slandered him (3-4). These people were two-faced, and they got whatever benefit they could through any means, including extortion and stealing (10). But David did not succumb to their mindset or this culture of royal corruption. He turned to God and cried out to him as his salvation, honor, mighty rock, and refuge (6-7). He poured out his heart to God in prayer and trusted in him (8).
God answered him with two pearls of wisdom: 1) God is mighty, powerful, and faithful in love; and 2) God will reward everyone for what they have done (11-12). God is higher than wicked, powerful people, and he acts in love on behalf of his people. Moreover, God sees everything done on earth and will judge all people according to what they have done. We must believe that God is our ever-present refuge and our righteous judge.
Sep 6, 2026
GOD REWARDS EVERYONE FOR THEIR ACTIONS
Passage: bible.psalm 62:1-12
Key verse: 12
NIV
chapter 62
1. [For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.] Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.
2. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3. How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down - this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4. Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.
5. Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
6. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
9. Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.
10. Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11. One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: "Power belongs to you, God,
12. and with you, Lord, is unfailing love"; and, "You reward everyone according to what they have done."
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Prayer: Father, thank you that I can trust in you and rest in the assurance that you reward me according to what I do by faith in Jesus. Forgive me for being deceived by the worldly mindset of getting whatever I can through any means. Help me to rely on your power and love with a gospel mindset.
One Word: Trust in God who will reward everyone according to what they have done