Psalm 138:6

The context

A thanksgiving psalm attributed in its heading to David. The singer praises God before other powers, recalls answered prayer in distress, and then states a contrast: the LORD is exalted, yet he notices the lowly, while the haughty he keeps at a distance. The psalm closes with confidence in God's purposes.

What it establishes

It establishes a pairing that runs through the psalms: divine transcendence and divine attention to the humble are not in tension. God's height is precisely what makes his regard for the lowly striking rather than expected.

What it does not establish

It does not promise that low status earns favor. The contrast is between lowly and haughty, a matter of posture rather than economics or social rank. The verse makes no claim that poverty is itself virtuous, and it gives no mechanism for how God's regard becomes visible.

Short note, first pass, October 2026. Corrections welcome.

Cited in these answers

• The Bible says that God’s eyes are too pure to look upon sin. So then how can the Holy Spirit be present at all times with people (even believers, who still commit sins)?

Part of Scripture, Opened — the exegetical layer behind every citation on this site. Scripture quotations are from the ESV.