Psalms 141:4

KJV

Incline not my heart to [any] evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

KJV (with Strong's)

Incline {H5186} not my heart {H3820} to any evil {H7451} thing {H1697}, to practise {H5953} wicked {H7562} works {H5949} with men {H376} that work {H6466} iniquity {H205}: and let me not eat {H3898} of their dainties {H4516}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't let my heart turn to anything evil or allow me to act wickedly with men who are evildoers; keep me from eating their delicacies.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in works of wickedness with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies.

American Standard Version

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, To practise deeds of wickedness With men that work iniquity: And let me not eat of their dainties.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 141:4 is a fervent prayer of David, seeking divine preservation from both internal moral corruption and external contamination. He implores God to prevent his heart from inclining towards evil desires and to keep him from engaging in wicked practices alongside those who habitually commit iniquity. Furthermore, David prays for strength to resist the subtle allurements and perceived benefits, metaphorically termed "dainties," that a sinful lifestyle or association with the ungodly might offer. This verse encapsulates a profound awareness of the heart's susceptibility to sin and the corrupting influence of unrighteous company.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 141 is a lament, a personal prayer of David, likely composed during a time of intense distress or persecution. It is situated within the fifth book of the Psalter, characterized by prayers for deliverance and trust in God's justice. The preceding verses (Psalm 141:1-3) establish David's urgent cry for God to hear his prayer, likening it to incense and an evening sacrifice, and asking for a guard over his mouth to prevent sinful speech. Verse 4 extends this plea for divine protection from outward expressions of sin (speech) to the deeper, more insidious threat of internal desires and the corrupting influence of wicked associations. The psalm then continues with David's commitment to righteousness and his ultimate trust in God's deliverance from his persecutors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was frequently marked by periods of intense persecution, whether from King Saul, his own rebellious son Absalom, or foreign adversaries. In such times, he faced immense pressure to compromise his faith, retaliate in ungodly ways, or seek alliances that would betray his covenant with God. The "men that work iniquity" (Hebrew: *po'ale 'aven*) likely refer to those who actively oppose God's ways, practice injustice, or seek to lead others astray. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, association was paramount; one's company often defined one's character and moral standing. The concept of "dainties" (Hebrew: *man'am*) would have resonated with the allure of worldly power, illicit gains, or luxurious living, which often accompanied unrighteous rulers or those who prospered through wickedness. David's prayer reflects a deep understanding of the spiritual dangers inherent in such temptations and associations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Prayer for Purity of Heart**, emphasizing that sin often originates internally, in one's desires and intentions, before manifesting in outward actions. David's plea for God to prevent his heart from inclining towards evil reveals a profound understanding of the need for divine intervention to maintain spiritual integrity, echoing the wisdom found throughout Scripture about guarding one's inner life, as seen in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart Above All Else"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Avoidance of Wicked Association**, recognizing the corrupting influence of bad company and the imperative for believers to separate themselves from those who habitually engage in sin. This theme is consistently warned against in the wisdom literature and prophets, and later reinforced in the New Testament, such as in [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Evil Company Corrupts Good Morals"). Lastly, the phrase "let me not eat of their dainties" speaks to the **Resistance to Temptation's Allure**, illustrating how sin often presents itself as something desirable, pleasant, or seemingly beneficial, making the temptation harder to resist without divine aid. This calls believers to discern and reject the world's enticing patterns, as exhorted in [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Conform to This World").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Incline (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** H5186. This primitive root means "to stretch or spread out," and by implication, "to bend away" or "to deflect morally." In Psalms 141:4, David uses it to express a fervent prayer that God would prevent his heart from bending or turning towards evil. It signifies a desire for divine restraint on his inner disposition and will, acknowledging the heart's natural propensity to stray and the need for God's active intervention to keep it aligned with righteousness.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** H3820. A common Hebrew word, *lêb* refers to the heart, but figuratively, it is used very widely to denote the feelings, the will, and even the intellect. It represents the innermost being, the seat of one's desires, intentions, moral compass, and decision-making. David's prayer focuses on this core of his being, recognizing that true purity and resistance to evil must begin at the deepest level of his person.
* **Dainties (Hebrew, _manʻam'_):** H4516. Derived from a root meaning "to be pleasant or delightful," *manʻam* refers to a delicacy or pleasant thing. In this verse, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the alluring, enticing, or seemingly beneficial aspects of a sinful lifestyle or association with the wicked. It suggests that temptation often comes not as overtly evil, but as something desirable, perhaps luxurious, or offering perceived advantages, making it a subtle and insidious threat to spiritual integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Incline not my heart to [any] evil thing":** This is the foundational and most profound plea of the verse. David asks God to act sovereignly within his innermost being, his will, and his desires, to prevent them from turning or bending towards anything morally corrupt (*ra'*, H7451). It highlights David's recognition of the heart's vulnerability to temptation and its inherent tendency to stray, underscoring his complete reliance on divine grace for spiritual preservation.
* **"to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity":** This clause elaborates on the practical manifestation of an inclined heart and the danger of corrupting associations. "To practise wicked works" (from *ʻâlal*, H5953, and *ʻălîylâh*, H5949) implies habitual engagement in morally debased deeds. The phrase "men that work iniquity" (from *ʼîysh*, H376, *pâʻal*, H6466, and *ʼâven*, H205) refers to individuals whose lives are characterized by emptiness, trouble, and moral wrong. David prays to be preserved not only from the internal desire but also from the external act of joining such company in their sinful endeavors, recognizing the powerful influence of one's environment.
* **"and let me not eat of their dainties":** This is a vivid metaphorical plea that encapsulates the deceptive nature of sin. "Dainties" (H4516 *manʻam*) are delicacies, symbolizing the enticing benefits, pleasures, or perceived advantages that come from participating in or condoning the lifestyle of the wicked. David understands that these "sweet" temptations, though seemingly harmless or desirable, ultimately lead to spiritual compromise and decay. He asks God to grant him the discernment and strength to reject these alluring traps.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound spiritual message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "eat of their dainties." This vivid image portrays the seductive nature of sin and worldly allurements, presenting them as desirable and palatable, much like a delicious meal, rather than overtly destructive. This highlights the insidious way temptation often operates. Additionally, there is a subtle use of **Personification** as David prays for God to "incline not my heart," treating the heart as if it possesses its own will or propensity to turn, thereby emphasizing the need for divine intervention over this core faculty of his being. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, where the internal desire ("incline not my heart") is intrinsically linked to external actions ("practise wicked works") and their associated temptations ("eat of their dainties"). This structure underscores the comprehensive nature of David's prayer for holistic moral integrity, from the deepest thoughts to outward conduct and associations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's prayer in Psalms 141:4 reflects a profound biblical understanding of the origin of sin and the path to righteousness. It aligns with the consistent scriptural teaching that sin begins in the heart, the seat of desires and intentions, before manifesting in outward actions, as Jesus himself taught in [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - Out of the Heart Come Evil Thoughts"). The plea to avoid "practising wicked works with men that work iniquity" underscores the pervasive biblical warning against corrupting influences and the call to holiness and separation from the world's ungodly systems. This is a recurring theme from the Old Testament wisdom literature to the New Testament epistles, emphasizing that "bad company corrupts good morals" ([1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals")). Furthermore, the imagery of "dainties" speaks to the deceptive nature of sin, which often promises pleasure, gain, or fulfillment but ultimately delivers spiritual emptiness and destruction, echoing the call to not conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Conform to This World")).

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart Above All Else")
* [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals")
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Conform to This World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 141:4 serves as a timeless and essential prayer for every believer navigating the complexities of a fallen world. In an era saturated with temptations and diverse influences, David's plea reminds us that spiritual vigilance must begin internally. It is not enough to merely avoid overt sinful actions; we must actively pray for God to guard our hearts from the very inclination or desire towards evil. This requires a conscious and discerning approach to our associations, the media we consume, the values we embrace, and the ambitions we pursue. The "dainties" of the wicked can manifest in countless modern forms: the allure of quick wealth gained through unethical means, social popularity achieved by compromising moral standards, fleeting pleasures that lead to spiritual deadness, or even intellectual trends that subtly undermine biblical truth. This verse calls us to a radical reliance on God's grace, acknowledging our own weakness, and seeking divine intervention to resist the subtle, attractive temptations that promise temporary satisfaction but lead to spiritual decay. True spiritual protection involves both an internal turning away from evil desires and an external separation from corrupting influences, fostering a life of unwavering devotion to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dainties" in your life or culture might be subtle temptations to compromise your faith or spiritual integrity?**
* **How actively do you pray for God to guard your heart and its inclinations against evil?**
* **In what ways might your current associations, media consumption, or embraced values be inclining your heart towards "evil things" or the "dainties" of the wicked?**

### FAQ
**Why does David pray "Incline not my heart" instead of simply resolving not to sin?**

Answer: David's prayer reflects a profound understanding of human spiritual weakness and the pervasive nature of sin. While personal resolve is indeed important, David recognizes that the human heart is inherently prone to wander and be swayed by temptation, as articulated in [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart"), which states, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" His plea for divine intervention acknowledges that true spiritual purity and steadfastness come not merely from self-effort but from God's preserving grace. It's a humble recognition that only God can truly guard the innermost desires and inclinations of the heart, preventing them from bending towards evil. This prayer aligns with the New Testament teaching that God works in us "both to will and to work for his good pleasure" ([Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in Us")), demonstrating a reliance on divine enablement for righteous living.

**What are the "dainties" of the wicked in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, the "dainties" of the wicked can symbolize any seemingly attractive or beneficial aspect of a sinful or worldly lifestyle that compromises one's spiritual integrity. This might include the allure of quick wealth gained unethically, social popularity achieved through moral compromise, fleeting pleasures that lead to addiction or spiritual deadness, or even intellectual pursuits that undermine faith without offering true wisdom. It also encompasses the subtle temptations to adopt the values, ethics, or entertainment of a culture that stands opposed to biblical principles, often presented as sophisticated, liberating, or harmless. The key is that these "dainties" are presented as desirable, masking their ultimate destructive spiritual consequences, much like the forbidden fruit in [Genesis 3:6](/genesis/3-6 "Genesis 3:6 - The Forbidden Fruit"), which appeared "good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 141:4 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's prayer for a pure heart and protection from evil associations highlights the human struggle against sin, a struggle perfectly overcome by Christ. Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), never allowed His heart to incline to any evil thing; His desires were always perfectly aligned with the Father's will. He perfectly resisted the "dainties" of the world, famously rejecting Satan's temptations in the wilderness that offered worldly power and glory ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")), demonstrating complete obedience and purity of heart. Furthermore, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ not only cleanses us from the guilt of sin but also empowers us by His indwelling Holy Spirit to live lives of purity. The New Covenant promise of a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")) is realized in Christ, enabling believers to genuinely pray David's prayer with the expectation of divine help. As believers, we are called to imitate Christ's separation from the world's corrupting influences ([1 John 2:15-17](/1_john/2-15 "1 John 2:15-17 - Do Not Love the World")) and to pursue holiness, empowered by the One who overcame all temptation and offers us victory over the allure of "dainties" through His life-giving presence within us ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")).

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 119:36

Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Isaiah 63:17

O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, [and] hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

1 Kings 8:58

That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.

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: