A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say "I won't associate with bad people." It's a radical declaration: "A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil." This means the psalmist is committed to actively banishing crookedness from his own heart and refusing to even recognize wickedness in any form, a far deeper commitment than simply avoiding it.
A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is David's declaration of how he intends to govern his household and his kingdom with righteousness. He's setting the standard for his court, vowing to banish dishonesty and evil influences. This commitment flows from his desire to rule justly, ensuring only those who walk uprightly will be close to him.
Ever feel like your thoughts go in circles, leading you away from what's right? The Bible has a word for that kind of inner resistance.
The verse starts with a powerful declaration about the 'froward heart.' This Hebrew word paints a picture of something twisted, bent out of shape, or crooked. It's not just about making a mistake; it's about a deliberate, stubborn inclination toward what is wrong, contrary to God's ways.
When the Psalmist says, 'A perverse heart shall be far from me,' he's not just stating a preference. He's making a profound personal commitment. He's choosing to actively reject and distance himself from any inner bent that leads him astray. This means consciously turning away from those wrong inclinations before they take root and dictate his actions.
What does it truly mean to 'know nothing of evil'? Is it ignorance, or something more intentional?
The second part of the verse, 'I will know nothing of evil,' is a strong statement of active avoidance. It's not about pretending evil doesn't exist, but about making a conscious decision not to embrace, engage with, or be familiar with wickedness.
This applies in two key ways:
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Understand the original words
'iqqesh · Hebrew Adjective
A moral condition of being twisted or distorted. It describes a person who has turned away from the straight path of God's law, characterized by dishonesty or rebellion.
ra' · Hebrew Noun
The fundamental opposition to God's will; moral depravity, corruption, or wickedness that stands in direct contrast to God’s holiness and order.
This verse directly echoes the sentiment, stating that those with a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord, just as the psalmist vows to be far from such a heart.
Matthew 7:23Jesus' warning about those who practice lawlessness not being known by Him on the final day parallels the psalmist's resolve to 'know nothing of evil,' highlighting the ultimate separation from wickedness.
1 Corinthians 15:33This passage cautions against bad company corrupting good character, reinforcing the psalmist's commitment to distance himself from 'wicked persons' and evil.
Titus 2:11-14This passage describes the grace of God that teaches us to renounce godlessness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives, aligning with the psalmist's pursuit of a pure heart and life.
2 Timothy 2:19The firm foundation of God's solid love has this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and 'Everyone who names the name of the Lord must depart from iniquity,' directly linking the knowledge of God with the departure from evil.
pulpitPsalms 101:4: "A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person."
Verse 4. - A froward heart shall depart from me; i.e. I will put away from me all perversity of heart; I will root it out and rid myself of it. I will not know a wicked person. This is a possible meaning, but it is better to translate, with our Revisers, "I will know no evil thing." The "principles of private conduct" may be summed up under the four heads of (1) devotion; (2) endeavour after perfectness; (3)…
ellicottPsalms 101:4: "A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person."
(4) Froward. —See Note, Psalm 18:26 .
The verse doesn't just say "I won't associate with bad people." It's a radical declaration: "A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil." This means the psalmist is committed to actively banishing crookedness from his own heart and refusing to even recognize wickedness in any form, a far deeper commitment than simply avoiding it.
This psalm is David's declaration of how he intends to govern his household and his kingdom with righteousness. He's setting the standard for his court, vowing to banish dishonesty and evil influences. This commitment flows from his desire to rule justly, ensuring only those who walk uprightly will be close to him.
This psalm is David's declaration of how he intends to govern his household and his kingdom with righteousness. He's setting the standard for his court, vowing to banish dishonesty and evil influences. This commitment flows from his desire to rule justly, ensuring only those who walk uprightly will be close to him.
"A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil." — The verse doesn't just say "I won't associate with bad people." It's a radical declaration: "A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil." This means the psalmist is committed…
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Last reviewed October 2026