Psalm 26 4

Psalm 26:4 kjv

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

Psalm 26:4 nkjv

I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor will I go in with hypocrites.

Psalm 26:4 niv

I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.

Psalm 26:4 esv

I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites.

Psalm 26:4 nlt

I do not spend time with liars
or go along with hypocrites.

Psalm 26 verses

Psalm 26 4 Meaning

Psalm 26:4 expresses David's intentional and consistent choice to separate himself from those characterized by moral emptiness, futility, falsehood, and concealed wickedness. He declares his steadfast refusal to engage in close fellowship, shared counsel, or any form of intimate partnership with individuals who lead deceitful lives or whose actions do not align with truth and righteousness. This statement reflects David's profound commitment to integrity and his dedication to walking in alignment with God's principles, seeking to maintain spiritual purity by discerning and rejecting ungodly associations.

Psalm 26 4 Context

Psalm 26 is a fervent prayer by David for divine vindication, asserting his integrity and blameless conduct before God. It stands as a psalm of innocence, where David calls upon the Lord to examine and test his heart, eyes, and innermost being. In this psalm, David distinguishes himself from the wicked, the "worthless men" and "hypocrites," by outlining his blameless walk (v. 1), his devotion to the Lord (v. 2-3), and his deliberate avoidance of sinful associations (v. 4-5). Verse 4 specifically supports his plea for vindication by declaring his chosen separation from those who represent all that is contrary to God's character and righteous way. Historically, this aligns with the covenant demand for purity in the ancient Israelite worship and society, where association with idolaters or the deceitful was viewed as spiritual contamination, impacting one's standing before God and access to the sacred spaces, particularly the Temple. David is affirming his faithfulness to this standard.

Psalm 26 4 Word analysis

• לֹא יָשַׁבְתִּי (Lo yashávti) – "I do not sit" / "I have not sat":
  • `לֹא (lo)`: The negative particle, "not," expressing a firm and definitive refusal.
  • `יָשַׁבְתִּי (yashávti)`: A Qal perfect tense verb from `יָשַׁב (yashav)`, meaning "to sit, dwell, remain, reside." The perfect tense implies a settled, established practice or ongoing state rather than a single event. It speaks of a continuous choice.
  • Significance: To "sit with" someone suggests deep fellowship, shared counsel, comfortable companionship, or making a common cause. David emphasizes that he has never habitually taken a place of fellowship or intimacy among such individuals.
• עִם (ʿim) – "with":
  • A preposition indicating close association, companionship, or presence together.
  • Significance: It emphasizes the intimate nature of the separation David maintains; not merely avoiding, but specifically refusing to be "with" them.
• מְתֵי שָׁוְא (m'tē shāv) – "worthless men" / "men of falsehood":
  • `מְתֵי (m'tē)`: A construct form of `מֶת (met)`, meaning "men" or "mortals."
  • `שָׁוְא (shav)`: This term has a broad semantic range including "vanity, emptiness, futility, deceit, falsehood, worthlessness." It often refers to something that is without substance, brings no profit, or is a deceptive lie. It can also imply idolatry or false gods (Psa 31:6) or vain things (Psa 2:1).
  • Significance: These are individuals who are morally bankrupt, whose lives are characterized by unreality, fraud, or a pursuit of meaningless endeavors. Their very being lacks truth or substance in God's eyes.
• וְעִם נַעֲלָמִים (v'ʿim na'alāmīm) – "nor do I go in with hypocrites" / "and with those who dissemble":
  • `וְעִם (v'ʿim)`: "And with." Connects the two phrases, intensifying the declaration of separation.
  • `לֹא אָבוֹא (lo avo)`: "I will not go in" / "I will not enter."
    • `אָבוֹא (avo)`: A Qal imperfect verb from `בּוֹא (bo)`, "to come, enter, go in." The imperfect tense indicates a continued, resolved intention or habit of avoidance in the future.
    • Significance: To "go in with" suggests an even deeper level of association than merely "sitting with." It implies entering into their company, participating in their activities, being admitted into their confidences, or engaging in joint ventures or conspiracies.
  • `נַעֲלָמִים (na'alāmīm)`: A Niphal (passive or reflexive) participle, plural, from `עָלַם (alam)`, "to hide, conceal, be hidden." The Niphal suggests "those who have become hidden" or "those who hide themselves."
  • Significance: This term refers to "hypocrites" or "dissemblers"—individuals whose true intentions or character are hidden or concealed. They might present a deceptive outward appearance while inwardly being corrupt or performing hidden evil. This indicates a profound moral duplicity, making them dangerous associates.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "I do not sit with worthless men": This phrase denotes David's refusal to align himself with individuals characterized by emptiness, deceit, or vain pursuits. "Sitting with" them implies shared values, shared counsel, or a relaxed state of companionship, all of which David adamantly rejects. It underscores a refusal to participate in their futile discussions or to be identified with their deceptive lifestyle.
• "nor do I go in with hypocrites": This further emphasizes the depth of David's separation. While "sitting" might imply fellowship, "going in" suggests a more active participation, entering into their schemes, being part of their inner circle, or giving sanction to their concealed wicked practices. The "hypocrites" or "dissemblers" are those who hide their true, corrupted nature, and David refuses any intimate engagement with their deceptive ways.
• The parallel structure and escalation from "sit with" to "go in with" portray a comprehensive rejection of various degrees of unholy association, from general companionship to deep involvement. David makes clear that his commitment to God requires him to draw a firm boundary against those whose character and conduct are opposed to truth and righteousness.

Psalm 26 4 Bonus section

• This verse speaks to a vital aspect of practical godliness: the importance of discerning and choosing one's closest associations. The people we spend time with, and particularly those we choose to share counsel or intimacy with, profoundly shape our character and influence our spiritual trajectory.
• David's statement here is part of his plea for God to vindicate him in judgment. He offers his righteous conduct, specifically his refusal to partake in the company of the wicked, as evidence of his faithfulness. This shows that ethical separation from ungodly influences is not just an optional moral nicety, but a core component of demonstrating genuine devotion to the Lord.
• The emphasis on `shav` (worthlessness, vanity, emptiness) echoes wisdom literature like Ecclesiastes, where "vanity" (`hevel`) often describes that which lacks ultimate substance or leads to spiritual futility, a key characteristic David seeks to avoid.
• This psalmic principle finds fulfillment in the New Testament call for believers to be "in the world" but "not of the world" (Jn 17:15-16), maintaining distinct holy living while engaging with society, refusing to participate in its unrighteous ways.

Psalm 26 4 Commentary

Psalm 26:4 is a powerful declaration of King David's commitment to personal integrity and spiritual purity through a deliberate choice of companions. David asserts his separation not out of self-righteousness, but as a foundational aspect of his faithful walk with God, a core part of the blamelessness he appeals to the Lord to acknowledge. "Worthless men" refers to those whose lives are consumed by falsehood, futility, or moral emptiness—perhaps even by idolatry, which the Hebrew term shav often denotes. "Hypocrites" (or "those who hide themselves") points to individuals characterized by duplicity, whose outward appearance belies their secret sin or deceitful motives. David actively disassociates himself from their counsel, their company, and any intimate partnership, understanding that such associations would corrupt his own moral fiber and undermine his relationship with the Holy God. This principle underscores the profound influence of human relationships on one's spiritual health and integrity, urging believers to be discerning in their alliances, choosing companions who uphold truth and godliness.