Psalms 40:4

KJV

Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

KJV (with Strong's)

Blessed {H835} is that man {H1397} that maketh {H7760}{H8804)} the LORD {H3068} his trust {H4009}, and respecteth {H6437}{H8804)} not the proud {H7295}, nor such as turn aside {H7750}{H8802)} to lies {H3577}.

Complete Jewish Bible

How blessed the man who trusts in ADONAI and does not look to the arrogant or to those who rely on things that are false.

Berean Standard Bible

Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.

American Standard Version

Blessed is the man that maketh Jehovah his trust, And respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 40:4 profoundly declares the blessedness of the individual whose ultimate security and reliance are found solely in the LORD. This divine favor is bestowed upon those who not only place their trust in God but also actively reject the arrogance and self-sufficiency of the proud, and steadfastly refuse to embrace falsehood or idolatry. The verse thus outlines a path to genuine spiritual flourishing, rooted in humility, integrity, and an unwavering, exclusive faith in the character and promises of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 40 is a composite psalm, opening with a powerful expression of thanksgiving (verses 1-10) before shifting to a plea for deliverance (verses 11-17). The first section recounts the psalmist's miraculous rescue from a "horrible pit" and "miry clay" ([Psalm 40:2](/psalms/40-2 "Psalm 40:2 - God's Deliverance from the Pit")), leading to a renewed commitment to God's will and a desire to proclaim His righteousness to the great congregation ([Psalm 40:7-10](/psalms/40-7 "Psalm 40:7-10 - David's Commitment and Proclamation")). Within this context of gratitude and renewed dedication, verse 4 serves as a foundational declaration, articulating the character of the one who experiences such profound divine blessing and deliverance. It contrasts the faithful individual, whose trust is exclusively in the LORD, with those who rely on human pride or embrace deception, thereby setting a moral and spiritual standard for the psalmist's own renewed covenant relationship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to David, Psalm 40 likely originates from a period of intense personal or national trial, where the temptation to rely on human strength, political alliances, or worldly wisdom would have been strong. In ancient Israel, "the proud" (גֵּאִים, _ge'im_) often referred to those who boasted in their own power, wealth, or military might, or to oppressive rulers who disregarded God's law and oppressed the vulnerable. "Lies" (כָזָב, _kazav_) could signify not only verbal falsehoods but also idolatry, which was considered a fundamental betrayal of the covenant with Yahweh, as false gods offered no true help or salvation. The psalmist's declaration in [Psalm 40:4](/psalms/40-4 "Psalm 40:4 - Trust in the LORD") stands as a counter-cultural affirmation, advocating for an exclusive reliance on Yahweh amidst a world where people frequently placed their confidence in unreliable human systems or deceptive spiritual practices.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 40:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Central to the verse is the theme of **Exclusive Trust in the LORD**, which is presented as the singular pathway to true blessedness and security. This contrasts sharply with reliance on human strength or worldly systems, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart"). The verse also highlights the **Rejection of Pride and Deception**, condemning arrogance and the embrace of falsehood. This aligns with the consistent biblical emphasis on humility as a virtue and pride as an abomination, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Furthermore, the phrase "turn aside to lies" underscores the importance of **Integrity and Truthfulness**, recognizing that deviation from God's truth leads to spiritual emptiness, a concept foundational to the liberating power of truth in [John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free"). Finally, the verse defines the **Nature of True Blessedness**, portraying it not as material prosperity but as a profound spiritual contentment and right standing with God, a concept that opens the entire Psalter in [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _'ashrei'_):** This term, often translated "blessed" or "happy," denotes a state of deep spiritual well-being, inner contentment, and divine favor. It describes the fortunate condition of those who are in right relationship with God, experiencing His grace and protection. Unlike a mere feeling of happiness, _'ashrei_ points to an objective reality of being favored by God, resulting in a profound and enduring sense of flourishing that transcends external circumstances. It is the antithesis of the fleeting joys or superficial prosperity of the wicked.
* **Trust (Hebrew, _bāṭaḥ'_):** This verb signifies a profound reliance, confidence, and security placed in someone or something. It implies leaning on, feeling safe, and having no fear because one's hope is firmly anchored. In the context of God, _bāṭaḥ_ is not a passive intellectual assent but an active, wholehearted dependence that shapes one's actions and worldview. It contrasts sharply with self-reliance or trust in human institutions, idols, or deceptive schemes.
* **Lies (Hebrew, _kāzāḇ'_):** This noun refers to falsehood, deception, or anything that is untrue or unreliable. In a theological sense, _kāzāḇ_ often encompasses idolatry (false gods), empty promises, or deceptive practices that lead one astray from God's truth and covenant. To "turn aside to lies" (סָטוּ כָזָב, _sāṭû kāzāḇ_) implies a deliberate deviation from the path of integrity and divine revelation, choosing to embrace what is ultimately futile and destructive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blessed [is] that man that maketh the LORD his trust":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental condition for true blessedness. It is not based on wealth, power, or human achievement, but on the singular act of placing one's complete and unwavering confidence in Yahweh. "Maketh the LORD his trust" emphasizes an active, intentional choice to rely on God alone, recognizing His sovereignty, faithfulness, and power as the ultimate source of security and well-being. This trust implies a surrender of self-sufficiency and a humble dependence on divine provision and guidance.
* **"and respecteth not the proud":** This phrase describes the negative side of the blessed man's character, defining what he *does not* do. To "respect" (פָּנָה, _pānâ_) in this context means to turn towards, pay attention to, or give honor to. The "proud" (גֵּאִים, _ge'im_) are those who are arrogant, self-reliant, boastful, or oppressive, trusting in their own strength, wisdom, or worldly status rather than in God. The blessed man does not admire, emulate, or seek the approval of such individuals, nor does he allow their worldly values or self-exalting ways to influence his own path. This rejection is a natural outflow of his trust in the LORD, as pride is fundamentally opposed to dependence on God.
* **"nor such as turn aside to lies":** This final clause further clarifies the blessed man's moral and spiritual integrity. He does not associate with, or himself become, those who deviate from truth and faithfulness. "Turn aside" (סָטוּ, _sāṭû_) implies a straying or deviation from the straight path. "Lies" (כָזָב, _kāzāḇ_) encompasses not only verbal falsehoods but also idolatry, false ideologies, or any form of deception that contradicts God's revealed truth. The blessed man maintains a steadfast commitment to truth, recognizing that any deviation leads to spiritual barrenness and separation from God's blessing. This reinforces the idea that true trust in the LORD necessitates an adherence to His truth and a rejection of all forms of deception.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 40:4 employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Antithesis**, where the blessed man's positive attributes (trusting the LORD) are sharply contrasted with the negative characteristics he rejects (respecting the proud, turning to lies). This creates a clear dichotomy, highlighting the distinct paths of righteousness and wickedness. The use of **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous and antithetical parallelism, is also evident, though less pronounced than in some other psalms. The two negative clauses "respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies" function as a form of negative parallelism, reinforcing the type of conduct the blessed man avoids. The entire verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a concise, timeless truth about the nature of true blessedness and the character required to attain it. The opening word "Blessed" (אֶשֶׁר, _'ashrei_) acts as an **Inclusio** with other beatitudes in the Psalter, particularly [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the Man"), drawing the reader into a broader theological conversation about the path to divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 40:4 articulates a foundational theological principle: genuine blessedness flows from an exclusive and active trust in the LORD, coupled with a decisive rejection of pride and falsehood. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that human flourishing is contingent upon a right relationship with God, characterized by humility and integrity. It underscores the biblical understanding that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, and that His truth is the only reliable guide in a world filled with deception. The verse implicitly highlights God's character as trustworthy and truthful, making reliance on Him the only rational and spiritually beneficial choice. This concept of blessedness is not merely about emotional happiness, but about a state of divine favor and spiritual well-being that is deeply rooted in one's orientation towards God and His ways.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")
* [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 40:4 serves as a profound mirror, inviting us to critically examine the true foundations of our lives and where our ultimate trust lies. In a world that often celebrates self-reliance, material success, and superficial appearances, this verse calls us back to a radical dependence on God alone. It challenges us to identify and dismantle any idols of pride or self-sufficiency we might harbor, whether in our achievements, our intellect, or our resources. Furthermore, it compels us to scrutinize what influences we allow into our lives, urging us to reject the allure of arrogance and the pervasive presence of falsehood, whether overt lies or subtle deceptions that promise fulfillment apart from God. Living out this verse means cultivating a humble heart that acknowledges God's sovereignty in every circumstance and committing to a life of integrity, where truth is cherished and pursued above all else. This path, though counter-cultural, is the divinely ordained way to experience true, abiding blessedness and spiritual flourishing that transcends fleeting circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I instinctively place my trust when faced with challenges or uncertainties? Is it truly in the LORD, or in my own abilities, resources, or the opinions of others?**
* **In what ways might pride manifest in my life, preventing me from fully relying on God? Am I quick to dismiss God's guidance in favor of my own understanding?**
* **How do I respond to "the proud" in my sphere of influence? Do I inadvertently admire or emulate those who boast in themselves rather than in God?**
* **Am I diligent in seeking and adhering to God's truth, or do I sometimes "turn aside to lies" through compromise, self-deception, or embracing worldly ideologies that contradict Scripture?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to deepen my trust in the LORD and more consistently reject pride and falsehood in my thoughts, words, and actions?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "make the LORD his trust"?**

Answer: To "make the LORD his trust" (Hebrew: _bāṭaḥ_) means to place one's complete reliance, confidence, and security in God alone. It's an active, intentional choice to lean on Him, not merely an intellectual acknowledgment. This involves surrendering self-sufficiency, recognizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness in all circumstances, and believing that He is capable and willing to provide, protect, and guide. It implies an absence of fear because one's hope is firmly anchored in His character and promises, as seen in [Psalm 118:8](/psalms/118-8 "Psalm 118:8 - It is Better to Trust in the LORD"). This trust is demonstrated through obedience, prayer, and patiently waiting on God, even when circumstances seem bleak.

**Who are "the proud" and why should they not be respected?**

Answer: "The proud" (Hebrew: _ge'im_) refers to those who are arrogant, self-sufficient, boastful, or oppressive. They trust in their own strength, wisdom, or worldly status rather than in God. They often disregard God's law and may even scorn those who follow Him. The blessed person "respects not" (or "turns not towards") such individuals because their way of life is fundamentally opposed to God's ways. To admire or emulate the proud would be to compromise one's trust in God and embrace a worldview rooted in human autonomy rather than divine dependence. Scripture consistently warns against pride, stating that [God opposes the proud](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud") and that it leads to destruction ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")).

**What does "turn aside to lies" refer to?**

Answer: To "turn aside to lies" (Hebrew: _sāṭû kāzāḇ_) signifies a deviation or straying from the path of truth and integrity. "Lies" (_kāzāḇ_) can encompass various forms of falsehood: literal deception, false promises, empty ideologies, or, most significantly in a biblical context, idolatry. Idols are considered "lies" because they are false gods that offer no genuine salvation or help, leading people away from the one true God ([Jeremiah 10:14](/jeremiah/10-14 "Jeremiah 10:14 - Idols are a Lie")). This phrase also includes any form of moral or spiritual compromise that involves embracing untruths or living deceitfully. The blessed person maintains a steadfast commitment to God's truth, recognizing that only His truth brings genuine freedom and life ([John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 40:4 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies the blessed man described by the psalmist. Jesus perfectly "made the LORD his trust" in every aspect of His earthly life, demonstrating complete reliance on His Father, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). He never "respected the proud," consistently challenging the self-righteousness of the religious leaders and exposing the emptiness of human arrogance ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Furthermore, Jesus never "turned aside to lies"; He is the embodiment of truth, declaring, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). His entire ministry was a revelation of God's truth, and He exposed the lies of the devil, who is the "father of lies" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil, Father of Lies")). As believers, we are called to follow Christ's example, placing our trust in God through Him, rejecting the pride of self and the deceptions of the world. Indeed, it is through faith in Christ that we are made righteous and truly blessed, participating in His perfect trust and His victory over pride and falsehood, becoming children of God who walk in truth and grace ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God") and [Ephesians 4:20-24](/ephesians/4-20 "Ephesians 4:20-24 - Putting on the New Self")).

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 17:7

Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Jeremiah 17:8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Psalms 84:11

For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalms 84:12

O LORD of hosts, blessed [is] the man that trusteth in thee.

Psalms 34:8

O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him.

Psalms 118:8

[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Psalms 118:9

[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.