16 The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. [1] Selah.

Other Translations of Psalm 9:16

New International Version

16 The Lord is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.The Hebrew has "Higgaion" and "Selah" (words of uncertain meaning) here; "Selah" occurs also at the end of verse 20.

English Standard Version

16 The Lord has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah

The Message

16 They have no excuse; the way God works is well-known. The cunning machinery made by the wicked has maimed their own hands.

New King James Version

16 The Lord is known by the judgment He executes; The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Meditation. Selah

New Living Translation

16 The Lord is known for his justice. The wicked are trapped by their own deeds. Quiet Interlude

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 9:16

Commentary on Psalm 9:11-20

(Read Psalm 9:11-20)

Those who believe that God is greatly to be praised, not only desire to praise him better themselves, but desire that others may join with them. There is a day coming, when it will appear that he has not forgotten the cry of the humble; neither the cry of their blood, or the cry of their prayers. We are never brought so low, so near to death, but God can raise us up. If he has saved us from spiritual and eternal death, we may thence hope, that in all our distresses he will be a very present help to us. The overruling providence of God frequently so orders it, that persecutors and oppressors are brought to ruin by the projects they formed to destroy the people of God. Drunkards kill themselves; prodigals beggar themselves; the contentious bring mischief upon themselves: thus men's sins may be read in their punishment, and it becomes plain to all, that the destruction of sinners is of themselves. All wickedness came originally with the wicked one from hell; and those who continue in sin, must go to that place of torment. The true state, both of nations and of individuals, may be correctly estimated by this one rule, whether in their doings they remember or forget God. David encourages the people of God to wait for his salvation, though it should be long deferred. God will make it appear that he never did forget them: it is not possible he should. Strange that man, dust in his and about him, should yet need some sharp affliction, some severe visitation from God, to bring him to the knowledge of himself, and make him feel who and what he is.