Psalm 141 4

Psalm 141:4 kjv

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

Psalm 141:4 nkjv

Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, To practice wicked works With men who work iniquity; And do not let me eat of their delicacies.

Psalm 141:4 niv

Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.

Psalm 141:4 esv

Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!

Psalm 141:4 nlt

Don't let me drift toward evil
or take part in acts of wickedness.
Don't let me share in the delicacies
of those who do wrong.

Psalm 141 verses

Psalm 141 4 Meaning

Psalm 141:4 is a profound prayer from David, asking God to safeguard his inner being and external conduct. It articulates a plea for divine preservation against internal temptation, that his heart might not be bent towards wickedness. Furthermore, it seeks protection from engaging in sinful acts in alliance with or under the influence of those who practice evil. Finally, it asks not to partake in the superficial pleasures, corrupt gains, or idolatrous feasts that often accompany an ungodly lifestyle, recognizing the allure and danger of such "dainties." This verse encapsulates a desire for comprehensive spiritual integrity and separation from all forms of sin.

Psalm 141 4 Context

Psalm 141 is a desperate prayer of David to God, likely composed while he was in a precarious or perilous situation, perhaps being pursued by enemies (e.g., King Saul or Absalom). The preceding verses show David calling out to God for swift deliverance, asking Him to hear his prayer, likening it to incense and the lifting of hands to the evening sacrifice. He asks for a guard over his mouth and lips, implying a need for careful speech under pressure. This verse (Psa 141:4) shifts from external actions and speech to the inner motivation of the heart. The prayer reflects a deep understanding of human frailty and the subtle nature of temptation, acknowledging that external sinful acts (like "wicked works" or "eating dainties") often stem from an inner inclination. It is a plea for preservation from the corrosive influence of evil, both from within himself and from his ungodly surroundings. David's prayer is thus comprehensive, covering not only his actions and words but also his very thoughts, desires, and associations, indicating a strong desire to remain consecrated to God despite intense trials.

Psalm 141 4 Word analysis

• Incline not: The Hebrew word is natah (נָטָה), meaning "to stretch out, turn aside, bow down, extend." It implies a bending or a leaning. David is not saying he has the power to prevent his heart from inclining but is pleading with God to prevent it. This reflects a humble recognition of his own weakness and complete dependence on divine power to keep his inner being righteous. It's a prayer against spiritual compromise.
• my heart: The Hebrew lev (לֵב) refers to the totality of the inner person—intellect, emotion, will, conscience, and moral character. It's the core of one's being where intentions, desires, and motives reside. Protecting the heart is paramount because it is the wellspring of life (Prov 4:23) and the source of all actions.
• to any evil thing: The phrase davar ra (דָּבָר רָע) denotes not just overt wicked actions but "any matter or thing that is evil." This encompasses a broad spectrum of evil, from fleeting temptations to corrupt thoughts or desires, indicating a desire for absolute moral purity, even in the smallest internal inclinations.
• to practice wicked works: The verb alal (עָלַל) means "to make a practice of, to commit, to glean." It speaks to repeated, habitual, or deliberate engagement in sin. The phrase pe'ulot resha (פְּעֻלֹּות רֶשַׁע) means "deeds or actions of wickedness/guilt/ungodliness." This signifies a step beyond mere thought, moving into concrete sinful actions, highlighting David's plea to not become habitual in sin.
• with men that work iniquity: The phrase anashim po'alei aven (אֲנָשִׁים פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן) refers to "men who commit or do vanity, wickedness, or iniquity." It emphasizes the negative influence of association. David understands that shared activities with corrupt individuals can easily lead one into sin, whether through peer pressure, example, or active participation in their sinful schemes.
• and let me not eat of their dainties: The Hebrew mamtaqqehem (מַמְתַקֵּיהֶם) means "their sweet things, delicacies, or pleasant things." This is a highly significant metaphor. It can represent:
  • The seductive pleasures of sin: The superficial allure of worldly indulgences or material wealth obtained through unjust means.
  • Participating in pagan/idolatrous feasts: Food sacrificed to idols, which was a common temptation and source of defilement in the ancient world (1 Cor 10:20-21). Partaking in such meals symbolized participation in pagan worship or an endorsement of their lifestyle.
  • Compromise with sinful values: To partake in their "delicacies" means to enjoy what they enjoy, to find pleasure in their way of life, thus aligning oneself with their moral bankruptcy. This represents the ultimate step of compromise, where one not only commits sin but begins to find enjoyment and satisfaction in it, making repentance harder.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Incline not my heart to any evil thing: This highlights the internal battle against sin, focusing on the very wellspring of desires and intentions. David acknowledges that a defiled heart is the root of all external wickedness. The plea is for divine intervention against an internal spiritual drift towards anything bad.
• to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: This emphasizes the external outworking of sin and the corrosive impact of corrupt associations. It's a recognition that internal desires translate into external actions, and that evil company can reinforce sinful behavior. It’s a prayer for preservation from complicity and peer pressure in wrongdoing.
• and let me not eat of their dainties: This final clause summarizes the complete separation David desires. It speaks to resisting the "benefits" or "rewards" of sin, which might seem appealing but are ultimately corrupting. It represents abstaining from the illicit pleasures, profits, and communal aspects of an ungodly lifestyle, indicating a total commitment to spiritual purity and separation from worldliness.

Psalm 141 4 Bonus section

The placement of Psalm 141:4 immediately after David's plea for a "guard over his mouth" (Psa 141:3) signifies that true purity of speech and action must originate from a purified heart. There is an intrinsic connection between inner inclinations, outward expression, and choice of company. The "dainties" could also be seen as a deceptive form of communion, offering a false sense of peace or belonging that actually alienates one from God. This prayer illustrates the profound truth that holiness is not merely about avoiding specific transgressions, but about actively cultivating a heart that loves God and eschews all that is contrary to His character, extending even to what one enjoys or finds appealing in life. The subtle temptation of what "looks good" or "feels good" (the dainties) is often more perilous than obvious evil.

Psalm 141 4 Commentary

Psalm 141:4 is a prayer for holistic spiritual protection. It acknowledges the dual fronts of spiritual warfare: the internal inclinations of the heart and the external pressures and enticements from a corrupt world. David's prayer moves from the subtle danger of internal thought, where sin begins, to the open actions born of that thought, particularly when influenced by ungodly companions. The specific request not to "eat of their dainties" serves as a powerful metaphor for avoiding the insidious allure and supposed benefits of sinful lifestyles. These "dainties" represent more than just food; they embody the ease, luxury, social acceptance, or ill-gotten gains associated with a life alienated from God. David understood that to partake in such things would be to tacitly approve, if not fully join, the wicked in their practices, leading to spiritual defilement. The verse underscores absolute dependence on God for integrity of heart, righteousness of conduct, and unwavering separation from worldly corruption. It implies a constant vigilance over one's desires and associations, driven by a deep longing to honor God in all areas of life.

• Practical Usage: Guarding our "inner conversations" from worldly thoughts; consciously choosing virtuous friends; refusing to engage in gossip or unjust financial practices that yield "sweet" but tainted results.