The Message of the Psalms

PSALM 75: THE BEST-LAID SCHEMES OF MICE AND MEN…

This Psalm teaches us that God is involved in human
history. While men might plan and propose affairs on this
earth yet nothing is done outside of the providence of God
(Vs. 6). Whether in our own aspirations in life or the self-
promotion of the wicked the Psalmist gives thanks to the
Lord who is “near” (Vs. 1, 9-10) and takes comfort in the
knowledge that the social and moral system of this earth is
supported by the pillars of God’s omnipotence (V’s. 3, 7).

1. The Praise of God’s People V’s. 1, 9-10

The Psalmist praises God for what He has done. But the
Psalmist is not speaking of distant events, he is speaking of
personal and recent events when God’s “nearness” was
declared by His “wondrous works.” This is one word in the
original and is usually used with reference to the
redemptive wonders of God (Ps. 106:7, 22; cf. Ps. 71:17;
119:18).

2. The Power of God’s Providence V’s. 2-3

God is speaking directly in this part of the Psalm and
speaks first of his providence in relation to time (Vs. 2) and
secondly his providence in relation to power (Vs. 3). The
word “congregation” is more literally translated
appointment (a congregation is an appointed assembly).
God has an appointed time for all his work, He is not
intimidated by external forces because He bears the pillars
of the earth himself. In a world that seems to be in
disarray, (Vs. 6, lit. melted), where arrogant men throw up
their heads (Vs. 4), and hope seems lost, the right thinking
Christian knows who is in control.

3. The Punishment of Ungodly Promotion V’s. 4-8

If V’s. 2-3 reassure the Christian in this world V’s. 4-8 warn
those who think they are pillars in this world (Kidney, 271).
The horn in scripture is a picture of strength, here it seems
to be speaking of the ox under the yoke throwing up the
head and stiffening the neck in insolence and disobedience
(cf. Jeremiah 28:13). God not only brings these down and
maintains His own stability on the earth, but He has

2010, Victoria Free Presbyterian Church

 The Message of the Psalms

appointed a time when He will judge the earth and they will
drink of the cup of his wrath (Jeremiah 25:15ff); “The best-
laid schemes of mice and mengo often askew.”
Robert Burns’ poem To A Mouse was written, according to
legend, in 1785 after seeing a nest of mice nestled away
for winter. In the poem he speaks to the mouse as though
sympathizing with it for having been turned out of his home
by the plough and having to face the bitterness of the
winter’s hoar-frost and the dribbling rain. Toward the end of
the poem he comforts the mouse with the knowledge that
he is not alone because humanity suffers the same earthly
instability “The best laid schemes of mice and mengo often
askew.” It is this thought that the Psalmist is teaching in
Psalm 75 and would instruct the Christian to take comfort
in the knowledge that God has all things in his control.
Regardless of what seems to go wrong or against us in his
life and regardless of who opposes us we are to remember
that “Man proposes but God disposes.”

2010, Victoria Free Presbyterian Church