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Psalm 28:5

Because they don’t respect the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he will break them down and not build them up.

3Don’t draw me away with the wicked, with the workers of iniquity who speak peace with their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts.
4Give them according to their work, and according to the wickedness of their doings. Give them according to the operation of their hands. Bring back on them what they deserve.
5Because they don’t respect the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he will break them down and not build them up.
6Blessed be the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my petitions.
7The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.
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← Psalm 28:4Psalm 28:6 →
Notice

The words “he will break them down” bring a hard edge to this prayer against deceitful people: disregard for God’s work has consequences.

Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.

What difference do you notice between the work of their hands and the work of God’s hands?

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What seems difficult to you about the declaration that God will break these people down?

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What might respecting the works of YHWH look like in your life this week?

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Connect

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 77:11I will remember the LORD’s deeds; for I will remember your wonders of old.Both passages concern the LORD’s deeds, with remembrance in Psalm 77 contrasting with disregard in Psalm 28.
Isaiah 5:12The harp, lyre, tambourine, and flute, with wine, are at their feasts; but they don’t respect the work of the LORD, neither have they considered the operation …Both describe people who fail to respect the LORD’s work or consider the operation of his hands.
Job 34:27because they turned away from following him, and wouldn’t pay attention to any of his ways,Both describe disregard for God: Job names refusal to attend to his ways, while the psalm names disrespect for his works.
Romans 1:28Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;Both connect a refusal to acknowledge God with his judgment upon those who refuse.
John 12:37But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they didn’t believe in him,Both describe an inadequate response to divine works: disregard for the LORD’s deeds and unbelief despite Jesus’ signs.
Job 34:26–27He strikes them as wicked men in the open sight of others;Both speak of God acting against wicked people, using the forceful language of striking and breaking down.
Psalm 92:4–6For you, LORD, have made me glad through your work. I will triumph in the works of your hands.Both name the works of God’s hands, which bring gladness in Psalm 92 and receive disregard in Psalm 28.
2 Samuel 7:13He will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.Both use the language of building, though Psalm 28 concerns judgment and Samuel concerns a house for God’s name.
Psalm 10:5His ways are prosperous at all times. He is arrogant, and your laws are far from his sight. As for all his adversaries, he sneers at them.Both portray disregard for God, though Psalm 10 describes the wicked person’s prosperity and Psalm 28 declares destruction.
2 Samuel 7:27Both speak of God building a house or people up, with a promise in Samuel and its denial to the wicked in Psalm 28.
Jeremiah 32:20–21who performed signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even to this day, both in Israel and among other men; and made yourself a name, as it is today;Both concern God’s deeds; Jeremiah names signs and wonders in Egypt, while Psalm 28 leaves the works unspecified.
Jeremiah 31:4I will build you again, and you will be built, O virgin of Israel. You will again be adorned with your tambourines, and will go out in the dances of those who …Both describe God as the one who builds people up, though Jeremiah promises rebuilding and Psalm 28 declares judgment.
Where this verse fits

Injustice and anger. sermon or Bible study notes.

What the Bible says about anger →
One step

Something small to carry out of this verse

Read Psalm 28:4–5 and mark whose hands are at work

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Encouragement

The deceit described here does not escape God’s judgment. His works deserve respect, and the psalm places the fate of the wicked in his hands.

Now put it in your words.

Start an entry on Psalm 28:5. 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 28 · 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).