I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

PSALMS 101:3KJV
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Psalms 101:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 101:3 mean?

Psalms 101:3 describes a personal commitment to avoid anything evil or morally corrupt, refusing to even look at such things or let them influence one’s life. The speaker expresses strong dislike for the actions of those who turn away from what is right, declaring that such behavior will not become part of his character.

King David is speaking in this psalm, setting out his standards for living as a faithful leader and follower of God. He is likely addressing both himself and his community, laying out a standard for conduct in his household and among those he leads. The verse highlights a deliberate choice to guard one’s eyes and heart from corrupt influences, showing that David wants to keep his life and reign free from the stain of wrongdoing.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 101:3

  • "set" (שִׁית, shith): This word means to place or put something somewhere. Here, David is saying he will not intentionally put anything wicked in front of himself, showing a proactive effort to avoid evil.
  • "wicked" (בְּלִיַּעַל, beliyya‘al): This term often refers to something worthless, evil, or corrupt. It is a strong word for moral filth or destructive behavior, emphasizing the seriousness of what David wants to avoid.
  • "thing" (דָּבָר, davar): While often meaning "word" or "matter," here it refers to any object, idea, or action that is wicked. This broadens the scope from just physical things to anything that could corrupt.
  • "aside" (סוּר, sur): This word means to turn aside or deviate from the right path. David is not only rejecting evil acts but also the work of those who leave the path of integrity.

Why Psalms 101:3 matters

  • This verse makes clear that resisting evil is not just about avoiding actions but also about guarding what we allow to influence us, even through what we see.
  • Psalms 101:3 highlights the importance of personal responsibility in moral choices, especially for those in leadership like David.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Psalm 101, where David sets out principles for a just and upright life, both for himself and for those around him.

Where else these words appear

“aside” Hebrew H7750 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 40:4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

“wicked” Hebrew H1100 · used in 26 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:13 Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;
  • 1 Samuel 25:25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.
  • 2 Chronicles 13:7 And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.

“cleave” Hebrew H1692 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
  • Judges 20:42 Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which came out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.
  • Job 29:10 The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.

“set” Hebrew H7896 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  • Job 10:20 Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
  • Psalms 88:6 Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.