Psalm 101:4

Modern

A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil.

Traditional

A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.

Literal

A perverse heart shall depart from me; evil I will not know.

Latin

…cor pravum; declinantem a me malignum non cognoscebam.

Hebrew

English

A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil.

The psalmist hates what the Lord hates (Proverbs 6:16–19; see Psalms 5:5; 11:4–5).
Perverse ideas come from corrupt human hearts (compare Psalm 18:26).

This song of praise expresses a commitment to live with integrity and to avoid evil. Jesus meets this ideal.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 11:20
The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight.
Proverbs 8:13
To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
2 Corinthians 6:14–16
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
2 Timothy 2:19
Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
Proverbs 22:24
Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man,
Psalm 119:115
Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may obey the commandments of my God.
Matthew 7:23
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’
Proverbs 9:6
Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”
Proverbs 3:32
…for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright.
Psalm 6:8
Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard my weeping.
Proverbs 2:12–15
…to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity,
2 Corinthians 11:33
But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp.