Psalm 26:5

Modern

I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked.

Traditional

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

Literal

I hate the assembly of evildoers, and with the wicked I do not sit.

Latin

Odivi ecclesiam malignantium, et cum impiis non sedebo.

Hebrew

English

I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked.

Because of his devotion to the Lord (Psalm 26:1–3), the psalmist separates himself from evil people (see Psalm 1:1).

In this personal lament, the psalmist prays for redemption because of his innocence and the Lord's justice.

These psalms develop the importance of:

integrity (Psalms 25:4–7, 12–14, 21; 26:6, 11; 27:7–12),
God's care as a shepherd (Psalms 23:1; 28:9),
God's guidance (Psalms 23:2–3; 25:5; 27:11),
God's goodness (Psalms 23:6; 25:7–8; 27:13), and
living in his house (Psalms 23:6; 26:8; 27:4, 8).

Theme notes and profiles

Psalm 31:6
I hate those who cling to worthless idols, but in the LORD I trust.
Psalm 101:3–8
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.
Psalm 139:21–22
Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You?
Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.
1 Corinthians 5:9–11
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.
Matthew 9:11–12
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”