Psalms 141:4 - Don’t incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity. Don’t let me eat of their delicacies.

Generated Verse: Psalms 141:4

What does "Psalms 141:4" mean?


Psalm 141:4 is a plea for protection from temptation and the corruption that comes from associating with the wicked. Let's break down each part of the verse:

"Don’t incline my heart to any evil thing": This is the core of the request. The psalmist is asking God to keep their heart from being drawn towards evil. It's a recognition that our hearts are susceptible to temptation and that we need divine help to resist it. "Incline" suggests a gradual leaning or predisposition, so the psalmist doesn't want their heart to even start moving in the wrong direction.

"to practice deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity": This clarifies the kind of evil the psalmist is concerned about. They don't want to be involved in actively doing wicked things alongside other evildoers. "Practice" suggests a habitual or intentional engagement in wickedness. "Men who work iniquity" are those who actively and consistently engage in wrongdoing. The psalmist recognizes the danger of association and the influence that wicked people can have.

"Don’t let me eat of their delicacies": This is often interpreted as a metaphor for the temptations and rewards that come from participating in the sinful activities of the wicked. "Delicacies" can refer to the material comforts, pleasures, or advantages gained through wrongdoing. It's a recognition that sin can be alluring and that we might be tempted to compromise our morals for short-term gain. It's not just about literal food; it's about not partaking in the benefits of their sin. It could also be seen as being careful what the psalmist allows into their mind/heart.

In summary, the verse is a prayer for God's help to resist temptation, avoid the company of evildoers, and reject the deceptive allure of sin and its rewards. It's a plea for moral integrity and a recognition of our vulnerability to temptation.

Here's a simpler way to understand it:

"God, please keep my heart from desiring evil. Don't let me get involved in sinful activities with wicked people. Don't let me be tempted by the things they offer that come from their wrongdoing."