Psalms 5:5

KJV

The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

The foolish {H1984} shall not stand {H3320} in thy sight {H5869}: thou hatest {H8130} all workers {H6466} of iniquity {H205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who brag cannot stand before your eyes, you hate all who do evil,

Berean Standard Bible

The boastful cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all workers of iniquity.

American Standard Version

The arrogant shall not stand in thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 5:5 powerfully articulates God's absolute holiness and His unyielding opposition to sin and those who persistently practice it. It declares that individuals characterized by moral folly and active wickedness cannot endure or find favor in the divine presence, for God's very nature is diametrically opposed to all forms of unrighteousness. This verse serves as a profound statement on divine justice, emphasizing that God's hatred is not a capricious emotion but a righteous, unwavering antipathy toward evil itself and those who embody it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 5 is a morning prayer of lament and petition, opening with David's earnest cry for God to hear his voice and attend to his supplication. It is framed by David's confidence in God's righteousness and his desperate plea for protection from his enemies. The verses immediately preceding Psalms 5:5 describe God's abhorrence of deceit and violence, stating that "the wicked shall not dwell with thee" and "thou hatest all workers of iniquity" (Psalms 5:4-5). This verse thus functions as a foundational theological statement underpinning David's expectation of divine intervention and judgment against his adversaries, reinforcing the stark contrast between God's holy character and the depravity of the wicked. It is followed by David's plea for God to lead him in righteousness and to destroy his enemies, confident in God's ultimate justice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Penned by David, this psalm likely reflects a period of intense personal or national distress, possibly during his flight from Saul or Absalom, or facing other hostile adversaries. In ancient Israel, kings often served as judges, and appeals to a higher, righteous authority were common. David, as king, understood the importance of justice and righteousness, and his appeals to God reflect the societal expectation that true justice emanates from a divine, unwavering source. The "foolish" and "workers of iniquity" would have represented those who actively defied God's covenant laws and societal norms, often engaging in oppression, deceit, and violence, which were seen as direct affronts to God's established order. The concept of "standing in thy sight" implies a position of favor, acceptance, or even a legal standing before a judge, which the wicked are denied.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 5:5 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **absolute holiness and righteousness of God**, asserting that His nature is fundamentally incompatible with evil. This divine purity is a recurring motif, as seen in passages like [Habakkuk 1:13](/habakkuk/1-13 "Habakkuk 1:13 - God's Purity") where God's eyes are too pure to look on evil. Secondly, it highlights the **consequences of wickedness**, specifically that those who persist in moral folly and rebellion against God cannot endure His holy presence or receive His approval. This resonates deeply with the warning in [Psalms 1:5](/psalms/1-5 "Psalm 1:5 - The Ungodly Will Not Stand in Judgment") that "the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment." Thirdly, the verse expresses **God's righteous antipathy towards sin**, clarifying that His "hatred" is not human malice but a holy, principled opposition to all that is contrary to His perfect will and character. This divine stance against evil is also powerfully articulated in [Psalms 11:5](/psalms/11-5 "Psalm 11:5 - God Hates the Wicked") where God's soul "hates the wicked and him that loveth violence."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Foolish (Hebrew, _nevalim'_):** This term, derived from the root _naval_, signifies more than mere intellectual deficiency. In biblical thought, a "fool" is not simply unintelligent but morally depraved, spiritually insensitive, and rebellious against God's wisdom and commands. It describes one whose actions are characterized by a practical atheism, living as if God does not exist or as if His moral order is irrelevant. Such a person is ethically corrupt, often acting violently or deceitfully, and is fundamentally alienated from divine truth.
* **Stand (Hebrew, _yityatztzevu'_):** The verb "to stand" in this context carries significant theological weight. It implies the ability to endure, to be established, to be approved, or to maintain one's position in the presence of a superior authority. For the foolish to "not stand in thy sight" means they cannot abide in God's holy presence, receive His favor, or escape His righteous judgment. It denotes a state of rejection and ultimate condemnation, contrasting sharply with those who are upheld and sustained by God.
* **Workers of iniquity (Hebrew, _po'aley aven'_):** This phrase literally translates to "doers of wickedness" or "those who practice evil." It describes individuals who are not merely occasional sinners but those who habitually engage in harmful, unjust, or sinful acts, making iniquity their regular and defining practice. The term _aven_ refers to wickedness, trouble, sorrow, or idolatry, encompassing a broad range of moral and spiritual corruption. This highlights the active and intentional nature of their rebellion against God's righteous standards.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The foolish shall not stand in thy sight:"** This clause declares the inability of the morally depraved and spiritually rebellious to endure or be accepted in God's holy presence. Their inherent corruption and rejection of divine wisdom render them incompatible with the pure and righteous nature of God. It implies a divine judgment where the wicked are exposed and found wanting, unable to withstand the scrutiny of perfect holiness. This is not about physical proximity but about spiritual and moral standing before the Almighty.
* **"thou hatest all workers of iniquity."** This second clause provides the reason for the first, asserting God's profound and righteous antipathy towards sin and those who habitually practice it. God's "hatred" is not an irrational emotion but a holy, principled opposition to all that is contrary to His perfect character and will. It signifies a complete separation and decisive rejection of evil, underscoring His commitment to justice and His unwavering stand against all forms of unrighteousness. This divine hatred is directed at the act and persistent practice of sin, not a vindictive malice toward the individual that precludes repentance.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 5:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The verse primarily utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the two clauses ("The foolish shall not stand in thy sight" and "thou hatest all workers of iniquity") express the same core idea in different but reinforcing ways. The "foolish" are equated with "workers of iniquity," and their inability to "stand in thy sight" is directly linked to God's "hatred" of their actions, creating a strong, unified statement of divine judgment. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "thou hatest," attributing a human emotion (hatred) to God. This device makes God's intense opposition to sin relatable and comprehensible to human readers, emphasizing the depth of His righteous indignation against evil. Furthermore, the phrase "shall not stand in thy sight" functions as a **Metaphor** or **Imagery**, representing not a literal physical inability to stand, but a spiritual and judicial inability to be approved, accepted, or to endure in the presence of a perfectly holy God. It powerfully conveys the idea of divine rejection and ultimate condemnation for those who persist in wickedness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 5:5 serves as a cornerstone for understanding God's character as both holy and just, revealing His unwavering commitment to righteousness and His active opposition to all forms of evil. It profoundly shapes our understanding of divine judgment, emphasizing that God's nature necessitates a separation from sin, and that those who persistently choose a path of moral folly and iniquity will ultimately face His righteous disapproval. This verse underscores the biblical truth that God is not indifferent to human actions; rather, His perfect holiness demands a response to unrighteousness, ensuring that justice will prevail. It sets the stage for the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, which addresses the very problem of human sin that this verse highlights.

* [Psalms 1:5](/psalms/1-5 "Psalm 1:5 - The Ungodly Shall Not Stand in Judgment") - The ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge") - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
* [Habakkuk 1:13](/habakkuk/1-13 "Habakkuk 1:13 - God's Purity and Inability to Look on Evil") - Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 5:5 presents both a comforting assurance and a sobering challenge for the believer. In a world often marred by injustice and the apparent triumph of wickedness, this verse offers profound comfort, reminding us that God is actively engaged in upholding righteousness. His holy character ensures that evil will not ultimately prevail and that those who practice iniquity will not stand in His sight. This truth provides a foundation for hope and peace, knowing that divine justice is not merely a concept but an active reality. Simultaneously, the verse serves as a powerful call to self-examination and a pursuit of personal righteousness. Since God hates iniquity, believers are compelled to align their lives with His holy character, actively pursuing wisdom, justice, and purity. It is a stark reminder that our walk with God demands a decisive turning away from all forms of "foolishness" and "iniquity," recognizing that our actions have eternal consequences. The verse implicitly invites repentance, for while God hates sin, His ultimate desire is for all to turn from their wicked ways and find reconciliation with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "hatred" of iniquity shape your perception of His character?**
* **In what ways might we, even as believers, inadvertently embody "foolishness" or engage in "works of iniquity" in our daily lives?**
* **What practical steps can you take to align your life more fully with God's righteous character, especially when faced with temptations towards moral compromise?**
* **How does the assurance of God's ultimate justice impact your prayers and your perspective on suffering or injustice in the world?**

### FAQ

**Does God truly "hate" people, or just their sin?**

Answer: The biblical concept of God's "hatred" (שָׂנֵאתָ - _sane'ta_) as expressed in Psalms 5:5 and other passages like [Psalms 11:5](/psalms/11-5 "Psalm 11:5 - God Hates the Wicked") is a complex theological point. It is crucial to understand that this "hatred" is not a capricious, human emotion of malice or vindictiveness. Instead, it signifies God's absolute, holy, and principled opposition to all that is contrary to His perfect nature and will. God's hatred is directed at the act of sin, the practice of iniquity, and the rebellion against His righteousness. While He hates the sin, His desire for the sinner is often presented as one of mercy and a call to repentance, as seen in [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance"). He hates the *works* of iniquity because they defile His creation, harm His image-bearers, and stand in direct defiance of His holy character. Therefore, it is a holy antipathy towards evil itself, which necessarily manifests as a rejection of those who persistently embody and practice that evil without repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 5:5, with its declaration that "the foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profoundest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament reveals God's holy opposition to sin, it is in Christ that the full weight of this divine hatred for iniquity is borne and overcome. Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, perfectly embodied righteousness, having "loved righteousness, and hated iniquity" (as stated in [Hebrews 1:9](/hebrews/1-9 "Hebrews 1:9 - Christ's Righteousness")). He is the only one who could truly "stand in thy sight" without blemish, being without sin. For humanity, who are all "workers of iniquity" (as [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") declares, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"), the inability to stand before a holy God is a terrifying reality. However, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, bore the full wrath of God against sin, becoming sin for us (as [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") explains). Now, through faith in Him, believers are clothed in His righteousness and can "stand" before God, not on their own merit, but by grace through the imputed righteousness of Christ. The "foolish" who reject Christ remain under God's righteous judgment, unable to stand, as Jesus Himself will declare to "workers of lawlessness" in [Matthew 7:23](/matthew/7-23 "Matthew 7:23 - I Never Knew You"), "I never knew you; depart from me." Thus, Christ is both the perfect standard of righteousness against which all iniquity is judged, and the merciful means by which sinners can be reconciled to a holy God and finally stand in His sight.

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 11:5

The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Hosea 9:15

All their wickedness [is] in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes [are] revolters.

Psalms 1:5

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

Proverbs 6:16

These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:

Proverbs 6:19

A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Leviticus 20:23

And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.