Read
Psalm 138:6
For though the LORD is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but he knows the proud from afar.
4All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth.
5Yes, they will sing of the ways of the LORD, for the LORD’s glory is great!
6For though the LORD is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but he knows the proud from afar.
7Though I walk in the middle of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me.
8The LORD will fulfill that which concerns me. Your loving kindness, LORD, endures forever. Don’t forsake the works of your own hands.
Notice
The words “high” and “lowly” put human status in question: the exalted YHWH looks after the lowly and knows the proud from afar.
Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.
What difference do you see between being looked after and being known from afar?
Write on thisWhat might lowliness before YHWH look like in one part of your life today?
Write on thisConnect
Where else Scripture says this
12 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.
This verse's connections, by chapterThe Bible's strongest chapter linksHover or tap a book to trace it
Psalm 113:5–6Who is like the LORD, our God, who has his seat on high,Both psalms describe the LORD as high; Psalm 113 speaks of his seat on high.
Isaiah 57:15For the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, says: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble …Both passages join God’s exalted position with his care for the humble; Isaiah speaks of his dwelling with them.
James 4:6But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”Both passages distinguish God’s treatment of the humble and the proud; James names grace for the humble and resistance to pride.
1 Samuel 2:7–8The LORD makes poor and makes rich. He brings low, he also lifts up.Both passages describe the LORD’s dealings with people in low places, though Samuel also speaks of wealth and poverty.
Proverbs 3:34Surely he mocks the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble.Both passages describe God’s favor toward the humble, contrasting it with his response to the proud or mocking.
Isaiah 66:2For my hand has made all these things, and so all these things came to be,” says the LORD: “but I will look to this man, even to he who is poor and of a …Both passages speak of the LORD looking toward the lowly; Isaiah describes a poor, contrite person who trembles at his word.
Luke 14:11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”Both passages contrast lowliness with pride; Luke describes the humbling of those who exalt themselves and the exaltation of the humble.
Ephesians 4:2with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love,The psalm describes God’s care for the lowly; Ephesians urges lowliness and humility in relationships with others.
Luke 1:48for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.Both passages describe God looking toward someone lowly; Luke speaks of his regard for the humble state of his servant.
Daniel 4:37Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able …Both passages acknowledge God’s supremacy and his regard for pride; Daniel says the King of heaven can abase the proud.
1 Peter 5:5–6Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists …Both passages contrast God’s care for the humble with his response to the proud; Peter urges humility toward one another.
Psalm 51:17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. O God, you will not despise a broken and contrite heart.Both psalms describe God’s regard for those brought low; Psalm 51 says he will not despise a broken and contrite heart.
Where this verse fits
Envy and comparison. praise and worship.
One step
Something small to carry out of this verse
Encouragement
Being lowly does not put you beneath God’s notice. His greatness includes care for the lowly, and pride remains exposed to his sight, even from afar.
Now put it in your words.
Start an entry on Psalm 138:6. Write what it stirs. Psalmlog sets your words beside Scripture and gives you one next step. Your first entry is free, no account needed.
Keep goingPsalm 138 · the whole chapter with its connection mapPsalms · every chapterBuild a reading plan through Psalms
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).