Psalms 5:4

For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

Psalms 5:4 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 5 is a morning prayer attributed to King David. In it, David expresses trust in God’s righteousness and pleads for protection against his enemies. Verse 4 states a foundational truth about God’s character: He is holy, righteous, and just, and therefore takes no pleasure in wickedness.

Meaning

The first clause, “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness,” emphasizes that God’s moral nature is opposed to sin and ungodliness. The Hebrew word for wickedness denotes sin and ungodliness, which is contrary to God’s nature and to His will revealed in the law. God is so far from taking pleasure in sin that it is the abominable thing which His righteous soul hates.

The second clause, “Neither shall evil dwell with thee,” refers to the evil person who continues in a course of wickedness. Such a person has no communion with God here, nor shall he dwell with Him hereafter. This reinforces that God’s holiness and purity cannot coexist with sin and wickedness. God’s dwelling place is a place of righteousness and goodness.

Application

As believers, we are called to pursue righteousness and strive to align our lives with God’s moral standards. This verse reminds us that God takes pleasure in righteousness and expects His followers to do the same. It encourages us to reject evil in all its forms and to avoid participating in sinful practices or condoning wickedness.

Understanding that evil cannot dwell with God should motivate us to seek His presence and draw near to Him. We can approach God confidently, knowing that He desires a relationship with us based on righteousness and holiness. Our righteous standing before God is grounded in His character and in Christ’s work, giving us assurance even while we strive to reflect His holiness.

Reflection

God’s displeasure with wickedness does not hinder His voluntary permission of sin, which He has willed for the purpose of magnifying the riches of His grace and mercy in the salvation of His people. Nor is this contrary to the delight He takes in the persons of His elect in Christ, for He loved them and gave His Son for them while they were yet sinners.