Psalms 17:10 - They close up their callous hearts. With their mouth they speak proudly.

Generated Verse: Psalms 17:10

What does "Psalms 17:10" mean?


Psalm 17:10 describes the wicked and their behavior. Let's break down the two parts of the verse to understand its meaning:

"They close up their callous hearts...": This speaks to the emotional state of the wicked.
"Close up": This implies a deliberate act. They aren't just naturally unfeeling; they actively harden their hearts. It's a decision to be impervious to the suffering of others, to compassion, and even to conviction.
"Callous hearts": "Callous" means hardened, insensitive, and unfeeling. A callous is a hardened patch of skin that protects against pain. In this context, it refers to an emotional hardening. Their hearts have become so used to sin and disregard for others that they no longer feel empathy or remorse. They lack conscience.

"With their mouth they speak proudly": This refers to the verbal expression of their inner state.
"Speak proudly": "Proudly" can refer to arrogance, boastfulness, defiance, or a sense of self-importance. They boast about their ill-gotten gains, their power, or their ability to get away with wrongdoing. They may even openly mock or insult those they consider weaker or beneath them.

Combined Meaning

The verse, therefore, paints a picture of people who are emotionally hardened (callous hearts) and arrogant in their speech. Their hardened hearts are directly linked to their proud speech. Because they feel no empathy or guilt, they are free to speak boastfully and contemptuously. Their internal lack of compassion manifests externally through their arrogant and hurtful words.

In Essence:

The verse describes the unfeeling, arrogant nature of the wicked. They deliberately harden their hearts, making them insensitive to the needs and feelings of others, and their pride and arrogance are displayed through their boastful and often hurtful speech. They lack humility and empathy.

Possible Interpretations and Application:

Warning against spiritual hardening: The verse serves as a warning against allowing our hearts to become hardened by sin, selfishness, or neglect of the needs of others.
Identifying the wicked: It helps to identify those who are acting in opposition to God's will by their unfeeling and arrogant behavior.
Call to compassion: It subtly reminds us to cultivate compassion and empathy in our own hearts, lest we become like the people described in this verse.

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