Psalms 101:4 Meaning and Explanation
“A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist vows to distance himself from those with perverse hearts and to refuse association with the wicked.
The Context of Psalms 101:4
The psalmist vows to purge his own heart of perversity and to distance himself from the wicked.
What Does Psalms 101:4 Mean?
A 'froward heart' is one that is twisted, perverse, or resistant to righteousness. The psalmist declares that such a heart will 'depart from me'—indicating both his refusal to harbor such attitudes himself and his commitment to separate from those who embody them. This is part of the internal discipline required of a just ruler.
The declaration 'I will not know a wicked person' uses 'know' in the sense of familiar association and acknowledgment. This does not mean the psalmist will be ignorant of wickedness (he must discern it to judge it), but rather that he will not maintain personal fellowship or accept counsel from those who practice wickedness. Such boundaries protect both his own integrity and the moral tone of his court.
Psalms 101:4 in the Original Language
šāqal (שָׁקַל), 'froward' — twisted, perverse, resistant; describing a heart oriented away from truth and righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 101:4
What does Psalms 101:4 mean?
The psalmist vows to distance himself from those with perverse hearts and to refuse association with the wicked.
What is the context of Psalms 101:4?
The psalmist vows to purge his own heart of perversity and to distance himself from the wicked.