Psalms 101:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I will set {H7896} no wicked {H1100} thing {H1697} before mine eyes {H5869}: I hate {H8130} the work {H6213} of them that turn aside {H7750}; it shall not cleave {H1692} to me.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will not allow before my eyes any shameful thing. I hate those who act crookedly; what they do does not attract me.

Berean Standard Bible

I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

American Standard Version

I will set no base thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; It shall not cleave unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 101:3 is a profound declaration by King David, articulating his unwavering commitment to personal integrity, moral discernment, and righteous governance. It serves as a foundational vow from a monarch dedicated to embodying divine principles, pledging to actively reject all forms of evil, both internally by guarding his perceptions and externally by disassociating from wicked practices. This verse underscores the vital importance of cultivating a life of purity, ensuring that corruption finds no foothold in one's character or conduct, thereby setting a standard for both individual believers and those in positions of leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 101 is often categorized as a "royal psalm" or a psalm of resolve, penned by David as a personal pledge or administrative manifesto. It outlines the principles by which he intends to govern his life, his household, and his kingdom. The psalm begins with David’s declaration to sing of mercy and justice, setting a tone of balanced righteousness [Psalms 101:1](/psalms/101-1 "Psalms 101:1 - A Song of Mercy and Justice"). Subsequent verses detail his commitment to walking blamelessly and purging evil from his presence and administration. Verse 3, therefore, is a pivotal statement of his personal moral compass, establishing the internal purity necessary for external righteous action, preceding his vows concerning his associates and household in [Psalms 101:4-8](/psalms/101-4 "Psalms 101:4-8 - David's Vow for His Household and Kingdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the king was not merely a political figure but also a covenantal representative of God to His people. His personal piety and moral conduct were seen as directly impacting the well-being and spiritual health of the nation. Kings were expected to uphold justice, defend the oppressed, and embody the Law of God. David, as "a man after God's own heart," understood this profound responsibility. His vow in Psalms 101:3 reflects a king's commitment to rule in alignment with divine standards, recognizing that personal integrity was paramount for legitimate and effective leadership in a theocratic society. The concept of "setting no wicked thing before mine eyes" speaks to a deep awareness of the corrupting influence of idolatry, injustice, and moral depravity prevalent in surrounding cultures, which Israel was constantly warned against.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 101:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **personal holiness and integrity**, emphasizing that true righteousness begins with the individual's inner life and choices. David's resolve to guard his eyes and mind underscores the biblical principle that the heart is the wellspring of life, as seen in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding the Heart"). Secondly, the verse speaks to the **active rejection of evil**. It's not a passive avoidance but a declared hatred for "the work of them that turn aside," aligning with the divine call for God's people to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good, as exhorted in [Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Abhorring Evil and Clinging to Good"). Lastly, it reinforces the theme of **separation and non-conformity**, a commitment to prevent evil from becoming ingrained or "cleaving" to one's character. This resonates with the consistent biblical call for God's people to be distinct from the world's corrupting influences, as echoed in [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Call to Separation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wicked thing (Hebrew, _bĕliyya‘al_):** This powerful Hebrew term, often translated "worthlessness," "ungodliness," or "Belial," denotes something utterly vile, destructive, or morally corrupt. It implies a deep-seated depravity, not merely a minor misstep. When David declares he will "set no _bĕliyya‘al_ before mine eyes," he is vowing to deliberately shield himself from anything that is inherently worthless, evil, or contrary to God's character and law, recognizing its insidious power to corrupt.
* **Turn aside (Hebrew, _sāṭâ_):** This verb signifies "to deviate," "to go astray," or "to turn away" from a prescribed path or standard. It frequently describes moral or spiritual transgression, often implying apostasy or unfaithfulness to God's covenant. David's hatred for "the work of them that turn aside" is an active rejection of those who willfully depart from righteousness, whether through idolatry, injustice, or general wickedness, understanding that their actions undermine divine order.
* **Cleave (Hebrew, _dābaq_):** This word conveys a strong sense of clinging, sticking, or being joined closely to something, often used in positive contexts like marriage (e.g., [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Man and Woman Cleaving Together")). In this negative context, David's resolve that evil "shall not cleave to me" means he will not allow it to become an integral part of his character, influence his decisions, or define his identity. It is a commitment to maintain an internal and external separation from moral corruption, ensuring it does not adhere to his being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes":** This clause reveals David's proactive commitment to guard his internal landscape. The "eyes" here function as a metaphor for the gateway to the mind and heart. What one allows oneself to behold, contemplate, or dwell upon profoundly shapes one's thoughts, desires, and ultimately, actions. David pledges deliberate discernment, refusing to entertain or give place to anything that is morally corrupt, spiritually depraved, or contrary to God's will. This is a vow of intentional purity of perception and thought.
* **"I hate the work of them that turn aside":** This declaration moves from internal resolve to external posture. David expresses a strong, active aversion—a righteous hatred—not merely for sin in the abstract, but for the tangible "work" (actions, practices, outcomes) of those who willfully deviate from God's path. This signifies a deep moral conviction that rejects unrighteousness and those who perpetrate it, demonstrating a commitment to God's justice and holiness. It is a principled stand against apostasy and moral transgression.
* **"[it] shall not cleave to me":** This final phrase encapsulates the desired outcome of David's vow: complete separation from evil. The pronoun "it" refers back to the "wicked thing" and the "work of them that turn aside." David is resolute that such corruption will not become ingrained in his character, influence his decisions, or compromise his integrity. It is a powerful statement of personal accountability and a determination to remain unblemished by the defilements of sin, ensuring that evil finds no lasting hold or association with his life.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 101:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey David's unwavering commitment to righteousness. The phrase "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes" uses **Metonymy**, where "eyes" stand for the entire faculty of perception, thought, and attention. It also functions as a **Metaphor**, portraying the eyes as gatekeepers of the soul, emphasizing the critical role of visual and mental intake in shaping one's character. The declaration "I hate the work of them that turn aside" utilizes **Strong Language** and **Hyperbole** to express a profound and active moral repugnance, far beyond mere disapproval, underscoring the intensity of David's conviction. Finally, the statement "[it] shall not cleave to me" employs a vivid **Metaphor** of physical attachment, suggesting that evil will not adhere to David's being, become part of his essence, or influence his conduct, reinforcing the theme of complete moral separation and integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 101:3 resonates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on personal holiness, discernment, and the active rejection of evil. It reflects the truth that true righteousness is not merely about avoiding outward transgressions, but cultivating an inner purity that guards the heart and mind from corrupting influences. This commitment to "hate the work of them that turn aside" aligns with God's own character, who is utterly separate from sin and calls His people to be holy as He is holy. The verse serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual vigilance is a lifelong endeavor, requiring intentional choices to align one's perceptions, affections, and actions with divine standards, ensuring that one's life remains a vessel for God's purposes rather than a conduit for wickedness.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart Above All Else")
* [Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Abhor What Is Evil; Cling to What Is Good")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out From Among Them and Be Separate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 101:3 offers profound and enduring principles for every believer, not just those in leadership. In an age saturated with information and diverse influences, David's vow to "set no wicked thing before mine eyes" challenges us to exercise rigorous discernment regarding the media we consume—what we watch, read, and listen to. It calls us to actively filter out content that promotes violence, immorality, ungodly values, or spiritual emptiness, recognizing that what we allow into our minds profoundly shapes our hearts and actions. Furthermore, "hating the work of them that turn aside" encourages us to cultivate a holy aversion to sin and its manifestations, not just passively avoiding it but actively detesting it. This extends to our associations, prompting us to choose companions wisely, understanding that intimate relationships can either build up or compromise our moral and spiritual integrity. Ultimately, this verse is a powerful call to active spiritual discipline, personal accountability, and a steadfast commitment to integrity in all areas of life, reminding us that maintaining purity is an ongoing, conscious choice requiring vigilance against both overt and subtle influences of evil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wicked things" (media, thoughts, influences) might I unknowingly be setting before my eyes today, and how can I actively guard against them?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a stronger, biblically-informed "hatred" for sin and its effects, rather than merely tolerating or passively avoiding it?**
* **How does my choice of associations and relationships reflect my commitment to prevent evil from "cleaving" to me?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to strengthen my personal vow of integrity and separation from worldly corruption?**

### FAQ

**Is this verse only applicable to kings or leaders?**

Answer: While Psalms 101 is often understood as a "royal psalm" outlining principles for a righteous king, the core commitments expressed in verse 3—guarding one's perceptions, hating evil, and maintaining integrity—are universal biblical principles applicable to all believers. David's vow serves as a model for personal holiness and ethical conduct for anyone seeking to live a life pleasing to God, whether in a position of public leadership or in daily private life. The call to purity of heart and mind is foundational for all who follow Christ, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus speaks of the blessedness of the [pure in heart](/matthew/5-8 "Matthew 5:8 - Blessed Are the Pure in Heart").

**What does "wicked thing" mean in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, "wicked thing" (Hebrew, _bĕliyya‘al_, meaning "worthlessness" or "ungodliness") extends beyond overt acts of evil to encompass anything that is morally corrupting, spiritually empty, or contrary to God's truth and character. This includes, but is not limited to, harmful media content (pornography, excessive violence, ungodly entertainment), deceptive ideologies, corrupting influences in relationships, and even unrighteous thoughts or desires that one allows to dwell in the mind. It challenges believers to exercise discernment in all areas of life, recognizing that even subtle forms of ungodliness can lead to moral decay if not actively resisted. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to think on "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable" in [Philippians 4:8](/philippians/4-8 "Philippians 4:8 - Think on These Things"), providing a positive framework for what *should* be set before our eyes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 101:3 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. As the true and righteous King, Jesus perfectly embodied the vow David made. He "set no wicked thing before His eyes," consistently resisting every temptation of the devil in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")) and throughout His ministry, never allowing sin to gain a foothold in His thoughts or actions. Unlike David, who stumbled, Jesus was utterly pure, "without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted Yet Sinless")). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly "hated the work of them that turn aside," actively confronting hypocrisy, injustice, and spiritual rebellion, driving out those who defiled the temple ([John 2:13-16](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-16 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")) and boldly denouncing the works of darkness. Yet, His hatred for sin was always coupled with boundless love for sinners, offering repentance and redemption. Crucially, no "wicked thing" ever "cleaved" to Him; He remained perfectly separate and undefiled, even as He bore the sins of the world on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, Christ is the ultimate example and the divine enabler for believers to live out the principles of Psalms 101:3, empowering us through His Spirit to pursue holiness and reject evil.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 119:37

¶ Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in thy way.

Job 31:1

¶ I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

2 Samuel 11:2

And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman [was] very beautiful to look upon.

2 Samuel 11:3

And David sent and enquired after the woman. And [one] said, [Is] not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

Proverbs 6:25

Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

Matthew 5:28

But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

James 1:13

¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: