A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil. A perverse heartThe phrase "a perverse heart" in Psalm 101:4 speaks to the inner moral and spiritual condition of an individual. The Hebrew word for "perverse" is "עִקֵּשׁ" (iqqesh), which conveys the idea of being twisted or distorted. In a biblical context, a perverse heart is one that deviates from the path of righteousness and truth. Historically, the heart was seen as the center of thought, emotion, and will in ancient Hebrew culture. Thus, a perverse heart indicates a fundamental misalignment with God's will and purposes. This phrase challenges believers to examine their own hearts, ensuring they are aligned with God's truth and not twisted by sin or deceit. shall depart from me
The commitment that a perverse heart "shall depart from me" reflects a deliberate choice to distance oneself from corruption and moral compromise. The Hebrew verb "סוּר" (sur) means to turn aside or remove. This implies an active decision to reject and remove any influence or inclination that leads away from God's standards. In the historical context of King David, who is traditionally credited with writing this psalm, this reflects his desire to maintain personal integrity and purity in his reign. For contemporary believers, it serves as a call to actively reject sin and pursue holiness, ensuring that their lives are not swayed by the perverse influences of the world. I will know nothing of evil
The declaration "I will know nothing of evil" underscores a commitment to purity and righteousness. The Hebrew word for "know" is "יָדַע" (yada), which implies an intimate understanding or acquaintance. By stating "I will know nothing of evil," the psalmist is expressing a resolve to avoid any intimate association with wickedness. This is not merely about avoiding sinful actions but also about rejecting any form of complicity or familiarity with evil. In a scriptural context, this reflects the biblical call to be holy as God is holy (Leviticus 11:44). For believers, it is an encouragement to cultivate a life that is not only free from sin but also actively opposed to it, seeking to reflect God's character in all aspects of life. Persons / Places / Events 1. David- Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 101, David is expressing his commitment to personal integrity and righteousness as a leader. 2. Jerusalem- As the city of David, Jerusalem represents the center of worship and governance, where David's commitment to righteousness would have significant impact. 3. The Court of David- The setting where David's declarations of personal and administrative integrity would be enacted, influencing those who served under him. Teaching Points Guarding the HeartJust as David commits to rejecting a perverse heart, believers are called to guard their hearts diligently, ensuring that their thoughts and intentions align with God's righteousness. Rejecting EvilDavid's declaration to know nothing of evil serves as a model for Christians to actively reject sinful influences and practices in their lives. Leadership and IntegrityDavid's commitment to personal integrity is a powerful example for leaders, emphasizing the importance of leading by example in righteousness. Pursuing HolinessThe pursuit of holiness involves a conscious decision to distance oneself from evil, as demonstrated by David's resolve. Community InfluenceDavid's personal commitment to righteousness would have influenced his court and community, reminding believers of the impact their personal integrity can have on those around them. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's commitment to rejecting a perverse heart challenge you in your personal walk with God? 2. In what ways can you actively guard your heart against evil influences in today's world? 3. How can leaders today apply David's example of integrity in their own spheres of influence? 4. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you "know nothing of evil" in your daily life? 5. How does the concept of purity of heart in Psalm 101:4 connect with Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, and how can this connection influence your spiritual growth? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 4:23- This verse emphasizes guarding one's heart, which aligns with David's commitment to reject a perverse heart. Matthew 5:8- Jesus speaks of the pure in heart seeing God, which connects to David's desire to maintain purity and righteousness. James 4:7-8- These verses encourage believers to resist evil and draw near to God, echoing David's resolve to know nothing of evil. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics FALSE, Depart, Evil, Evil-doer, Friend, Froward, Heart, Nothing, Perverse, Perverseness, Turneth, Wicked, WickednessDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 101:3-5 8744 faithlessness, as disobedience Psalm 101:4-5 5016 heart, fallen and redeemed
8282 intolerance Library Why Should we not Believe These to be Angelic Operations through Dispensation of The...
16. Why should we not believe these to be angelic operations through dispensation of the providence of God, Who maketh good use of both good things and evil, according to the unsearchable depth of His judgments? whether thereby the minds of mortals be instructed, or whether deceived; whether consoled, or whether terrified: according as unto each one there is to be either a showing of mercy, or a taking of vengeance, by Him to Whom, not without a meaning, the Church doth sing "of mercy and of judgment." …
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead. Epistle xxxii. To Narses the Patrician.
To Narses the Patrician. Gregory to Narses, &c. Your most sweet Charity has said much to me in your letters in praise of my good deeds, to all which I briefly reply, Call me not Noemi, that is beautiful; but call me Mara, that is bitter; for I am full of bitterness (Ruth i. 20). But as to the cause of the presbyters [1555] , which is pending with my brother and fellow-bishop, the most reverend Patriarch John, we have, as I think, for our adversary the very man whom you assert to be desirous of observing …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Difference Between Union and Rapture. What Rapture Is. The Blessing it is to the Soul. The Effects of It.
1. I wish I could explain, with the help of God, wherein union differs from rapture, or from transport, or from flight of the spirit, as they speak, or from a trance, which are all one. [1] I mean, that all these are only different names for that one and the same thing, which is also called ecstasy. [2] It is more excellent than union, the fruits of it are much greater, and its other operations more manifold; for union is uniform in the beginning, the middle, and the end, and is so also interiorly. …
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus The Barren Fig-Tree.
"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord The King --Continued.
In our last chapter we have seen that the key-note of "The Songs of the King" may be said to be struck in Psalm xviii. Its complete analysis would carry us far beyond our limits. We can but glance at some of the more prominent points of the psalm. The first clause strikes the key-note. "I love Thee, O Jehovah, my strength." That personal attachment to God, which is so characteristic of David's religion, can no longer be pent up in silence, but gushes forth like some imprisoned stream, broad and full …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Of Civil Government.
OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT. This chapter consists of two principal heads,--I. General discourse on the necessity, dignity, and use of Civil Government, in opposition to the frantic proceedings of the Anabaptists, sec. 1-3. II. A special exposition of the three leading parts of which Civil Government consists, sec. 4-32. The first part treats of the function of Magistrates, whose authority and calling is proved, sec. 4-7. Next, the three Forms of civil government are added, sec. 8. Thirdly, Consideration …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
Sermon I (November 2, 1148.)[1005] 1. A certain abundant blessing, dearly beloved, has been sent by the counsel of heaven to you this day; and if it were not faithfully divided, you would suffer loss, and I, to whom of a surety this office seems to have been committed, would incur danger. I fear therefore your loss, I fear my own damnation,[1006] if perchance it be said, The young children ask bread, and no man offereth it unto them.[1007] For I know how necessary for you is the consolation which …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 101:4 NIVPsalm 101:4 NLTPsalm 101:4 ESVPsalm 101:4 NASBPsalm 101:4 KJV
Psalm 101:4 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
