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

PSALMS 40:4KJV
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Psalms 40:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 40:4 mean?

Psalms 40:4 says that a person is truly fortunate or blessed when they put their trust in the LORD, rather than relying on proud people or those who follow falsehoods. The verse highlights the value of depending on God instead of being influenced by arrogance or lies.

King David is the speaker in this psalm, reflecting on his own experiences of deliverance and faith. He points out that real security and happiness come from trusting God, not from following those who are self-important or deceitful. The verse draws a clear line between trusting God and being swayed by people who lead others away from truth.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 40:4

  • "Blessed" (אַשְׁרֵי, 'ashrei'): This word means more than just "happy"; it carries the sense of someone who is truly well-off or favored because of their choices or condition.
  • "Trust" (מִבְטָחוֹ, mivtaḥo): This word refers to a deep, settled confidence or reliance, not just a passing hope. It emphasizes a steady dependence on the LORD.
  • "Proud" (רְהָבִים, rehavim): This word points to people who are arrogant or self-exalting. The verse warns against looking up to or following such individuals.
  • "Lies" (כָּזָב, kazav): This word means falsehood or deception. The verse contrasts trusting God with being drawn away by what is untrue.

Why Psalms 40:4 matters

  • Psalms 40:4 clarifies that blessing is tied to where a person places their trust, not to outward success or status.
  • The verse warns against being influenced by prideful or deceptive people, which is a recurring theme in the Psalms.
  • This verse connects to the wider psalm by showing David’s personal testimony as an example for others, encouraging a life centered on faithfulness to God rather than human schemes.

Where else these words appear

“aside” Hebrew H7750 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

“trust” Hebrew H4009 · used in 15 verses

  • Job 8:14 Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.
  • Psalms 71:5 For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.
  • Isaiah 32:18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

“lies” Hebrew H3577 · used in 31 verses

  • Judges 16:10 And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.
  • Proverbs 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
  • Ezekiel 13:8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.

“Blessed” Hebrew H835 · used in 42 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
  • Psalms 84:5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
  • Psalms 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: