Psalms 26:4

KJV

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have not sat {H3427} with vain {H7723} persons {H4962}, neither will I go in {H935} with dissemblers {H5956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have not sat with worthless folks, I won't consort with hypocrites,

Berean Standard Bible

I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites.

American Standard Version

I have not sat with men of falsehood; Neither will I go in with dissemblers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 26:4 presents a profound declaration from King David, articulating his unwavering commitment to a life of integrity and intentional separation from those whose character and conduct are antithetical to God's ways. David asserts that he has actively avoided intimate fellowship with "vain persons"—individuals whose lives are marked by emptiness, futility, or moral corruption—and firmly resolves not to associate with "dissemblers," those who are deceptive, hypocritical, or conceal their true, ungodly intentions. This verse powerfully underscores David's deep understanding of the formative power of companionship and his fervent desire to maintain a blameless walk before God, serving as a foundational element in his plea for divine vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 26 functions as a fervent prayer of David, often categorized as a "Psalm of Integrity" or a "Psalm of Vindication." Throughout the psalm, David appeals to God to examine his heart and judge him according to his blameless conduct and steadfast trust in the Lord, particularly in the face of adversaries or false accusations. He initiates his plea by inviting divine scrutiny, stating, "Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide" [Psalms 26:1](/psalms/26-1 "Psalm 26:1 - David's Plea for Vindication"). Verse 4, therefore, serves as a crucial piece of evidence in David's defense, demonstrating his active and deliberate choice to distance himself from the wicked. It stands in stark contrast to the paths of the ungodly, whom David explicitly separates himself from, reinforcing his dedication to a righteous walk as a prerequisite for dwelling in God's presence and experiencing divine favor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As King of Israel, David occupied a highly public and often perilous position. His personal character and moral standing were not merely private matters; they held direct implications for the nation's spiritual health, political stability, and the integrity of his rule. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, one's associations were profoundly indicative of one's character, allegiance, and trustworthiness. To "sit with" or "go in with" someone implied intimate fellowship, shared counsel, common values, and often complicity in their actions. David's declaration reflects a conscious and strategic effort to maintain his moral authority and to demonstrate his unwavering loyalty to Yahweh, thereby distinguishing himself from the corrupting influences prevalent in society. This was particularly vital for a king, who was expected to embody righteousness, justice, and piety as a reflection of God's own character.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the Psalms and broader biblical wisdom literature. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Separation from the Ungodly**, emphasizing the critical importance of discerning and choosing one's companions wisely to safeguard spiritual and moral purity. This resonates deeply with the foundational principles articulated in [Psalms 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Walk"), which describes the blessed man as one who "walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." Secondly, the verse underscores **Integrity and Purity** as essential qualities for those who seek to walk in fellowship with God. David's assertion of what he has *not* done reinforces his commitment to a blameless character before a holy God. Finally, the verse speaks to the profound **Influence of Companionship**, a recurring theme in wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Wisdom on Companionship"), which warns that "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." David understood that close association inevitably leads to shared values and participation, which he steadfastly refused to extend to the wicked.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vain persons (Hebrew, _shâvᵉʼ_ H7723, _math_ H4962):** This phrase, often rendered "men of emptiness" or "men of worthlessness," combines the Hebrew term _shâvᵉʼ_ (H7723), denoting emptiness, futility, falsehood, or vanity, with _math_ (H4962), meaning "men" or "persons." It refers not merely to superficiality but to those whose lives are devoid of truth, moral substance, and genuine spiritual purpose. Such individuals may be characterized by idolatry, deceit, or pursuits that ultimately lead to nothing of lasting value or are inherently destructive. David is declaring his refusal to engage in intimate fellowship with those whose very existence is marked by spiritual void and moral bankruptcy.
* **Dissemblers (Hebrew, _ʻâlam_ H5956, _naʿălamîm'_):** The Hebrew term _naʿălamîm'_ is a Niphal participle derived from the primitive root _ʻâlam_ (H5956), meaning "to veil from sight" or "to conceal." Therefore, "dissemblers" are those who are secretive, deceptive, hypocritical, or who intentionally conceal their true, often corrupt, intentions and character. They present a false front, hiding their real motives or actions behind a facade. David asserts his resolute refusal to enter into partnership or complicity with individuals who operate under a cloak of deceit, valuing transparency and honesty in his own walk and in his associations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have not sat with vain persons":** This clause describes a past, consistent pattern of behavior. The phrase "sat with" implies more than a casual encounter; it denotes intimate fellowship, shared counsel, prolonged association, and even participation in the activities or ways of life of "vain persons." David is declaring that he has not allowed himself to be deeply immersed in, or influenced by, the company of those whose lives are characterized by emptiness, futility, falsehood, or moral corruption. This reflects a deliberate and sustained choice to guard his heart and mind from their potentially defiling influence.
* **"neither will I go in with dissemblers":** This second clause expresses a firm future resolve and an ongoing commitment. To "go in with" signifies entering into partnership, joining their company, or participating in their schemes and ways of life. David is stating his unwavering determination to avoid any form of complicity or deep involvement with those who are deceptive, hypocritical, or who conceal their true, ungodly nature. This highlights his desire for authenticity and transparency in his own life and his refusal to tolerate deceit or hidden agendas in his closest associations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices** to convey David's profound message. Most prominently, it utilizes **parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the second clause ("neither will I go in with dissemblers") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first ("I have not sat with vain persons"). Both phrases convey the core idea of avoiding ungodly company, using slightly different nuances of association ("sat with" implying settled, intimate fellowship, versus "go in with" implying active participation or entering into a shared venture) and types of wicked individuals ("vain persons" characterized by emptiness versus "dissemblers" characterized by deceit). This repetition emphasizes David's consistent and resolute stance. Furthermore, the psalm as a whole, and this verse within it, is built on a strong **contrast** between David's integrity and the ways of the ungodly. David's righteous character is illuminated by his deliberate and active separation from those who lack integrity. The phrases "sat with" and "go in with" can also be seen as a form of **metonymy** or **synecdoche**, where the physical actions represent a deeper spiritual and moral alignment or rejection. These actions are symbolic of a refusal to share in the values, counsel, or practices of the wicked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 26:4 powerfully articulates a fundamental biblical principle: the profound impact of companionship on one's spiritual and moral formation. Theologically, it underscores the call to holiness and separation that God places upon His people. Just as God is distinct and set apart from sin, so too are His followers called to be distinct from the world's corrupting influences. This is not a call to isolation, but to discernment, recognizing that intimate fellowship with those whose lives are characterized by emptiness or deceit can compromise one's integrity and draw one away from God's path. David's declaration is a testament to the proactive measures required to maintain a pure heart and clean hands, essential for true worship and fellowship with the Holy God. It highlights that our associations are not neutral; they either build us up in righteousness or subtly erode our spiritual foundations, impacting our walk with God and our witness to the world.

* [Psalms 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man's Walk")
* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Wisdom on Companionship")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's resolute declaration in Psalms 26:4 offers enduring wisdom for believers navigating the complexities of modern life. In an increasingly interconnected world, where relationships are forged across various platforms—from professional networks and educational environments to social media and online communities—the challenge of discerning wholesome from corrupting influences is ever-present. This verse calls us to intentionality in our associations, urging us to consider carefully who we allow to shape our thoughts, values, and actions. Like David, we are called to actively guard our integrity, recognizing that "evil communications corrupt good manners" [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts"). It's a call to live authentically, rejecting hypocrisy and seeking out those who genuinely pursue God, thereby fostering an environment where our faith can flourish and our character can be sanctified. Our commitment to Christ should be reflected in our choices of companionship, leading us to cultivate godly fellowship that builds us up in faith and righteousness, while maintaining a clear boundary from those whose lives are marked by spiritual emptiness or deceit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do my current associations, both in-person and online, reflect my commitment to Christ and my desire for integrity?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "sitting with vain persons" or "going in with dissemblers" without fully realizing the spiritual implications for my walk with God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate more godly relationships and intentionally protect myself from unwholesome influences that might compromise my faith?**
* **How can I maintain a spirit of discernment and integrity while still engaging with the world for the sake of the Gospel, without being conformed to its patterns?**

### FAQ

**Why is David so concerned about his associations?**

Answer: David's concern about his associations stems from a deep understanding of the profound influence companionship has on one's character, spiritual walk, and public testimony. In ancient Israel, one's social circle was not merely a matter of personal preference but a reflection and shaper of one's identity and moral standing. For a king, maintaining integrity was paramount for his leadership, the nation's spiritual health, and his standing before God. His declaration is part of his plea for vindication, demonstrating his commitment to righteousness. This concern echoes the wisdom found in [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Companions of Fools Suffer Harm"), which states, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." David's choice is not merely about social preference but about spiritual preservation and aligning himself with God's holiness.

**Does this verse mean we should avoid all unbelievers?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for complete isolation from non-believers. The New Testament teaches that believers are to be "salt and light" in the world [Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13-16 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light"), engaging with others to share the gospel. Jesus himself "came eating and drinking" and was accused of being "a friend of publicans and sinners" [Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Jesus, Friend of Sinners"), demonstrating His willingness to interact with those outside the circle of righteousness for the purpose of salvation. The distinction David makes is about the *nature* of the association. He is rejecting intimate fellowship, shared counsel, and participation in the *ways* of those whose lives are characterized by emptiness, deceit, and moral corruption. Believers are called to engage with the world for mission, but not to adopt its ungodly practices or allow its values to corrupt their own. The emphasis is on guarding one's heart and integrity, not on withdrawing from the world's lost, but on being in the world but not of the world, as Jesus prayed in [John 17:15-16](/john/17-15-16 "John 17:15-16 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 26:4, with David's earnest plea for integrity and separation from the wicked, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. While David, a man after God's own heart, strove to avoid the company of "vain persons" and "dissemblers," he remained a fallen human being, prone to sin. Jesus, however, perfectly fulfilled this desire for blamelessness and purity. He "knew no sin" [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Knew No Sin") and was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" [Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ, Our High Priest"). Yet, in His divine wisdom and redemptive mission, Jesus uniquely associated with sinners, not to partake in their sin, but to heal, forgive, and transform them. He was accused of being "a friend of publicans and sinners" [Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Jesus, Friend of Sinners"), demonstrating that His absolute purity allowed Him to engage with depravity without being defiled, offering salvation rather than succumbing to corruption. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ provided the means for believers to be reconciled to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of integrity, just as David longed to do. We are now called to "be holy, for I am holy" [1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy as God is Holy"), walking in the Spirit and avoiding the "works of the flesh" [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh"). The church, as Christ's body, is called to be a community of purity and truth, reflecting His character and providing the context for godly fellowship that fulfills David's desire for righteous company, all made possible by the perfect life and atoning work of our Savior, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life").

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

Jeremiah 15:17

I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

Psalms 1:1

¶ Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Proverbs 13:20

¶ He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Psalms 119:115

¶ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.

Psalms 119:63

¶ I [am] a companion of all [them] that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

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 Corinthians 15:33

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.