Psalms 5:5-6
The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What’s easily missed here is that the Hebrew word translated "foolish" can also mean "boastful" or "insolent." This isn't just about people who lack common sense; it's about those who arrogantly strut and puff themselves up, believing they can stand against God. The verse powerfully asserts that this kind of proud defiance has no place in God's presence; He utterly detests those who make sin their lifestyle.
David is crying out to God in distress, likely facing enemies who are not only powerful but also deceitful and cruel. He's presenting his case to God, contrasting his own integrity with the wickedness of his foes, emphasizing that God, being perfectly holy, cannot possibly favor or endure such evil people. This sets up his plea for God's intervention and protection against those who oppose him.
Ever feel like the proud and arrogant get away with everything? David felt that way too. But his understanding of God's justice offered him a different perspective.
The verse calls those who will not stand in God's sight 'foolish' or 'boastful.' This isn't just about empty words; it's about a deep-seated arrogance that denies God's authority and goodness. These individuals, despite their puffed-up pride, have no lasting place in God's presence.
The Illusion of Security
The Bible doesn't shy away from strong language about God's feelings. This verse reveals something profound about His hatred for evil.
The phrase 'you hate all evildoers' is powerful. It's not a fleeting irritation but a deep, righteous aversion to everything that defies Him and harms others. This hatred isn't arbitrary; it stems from God's perfect nature – His holiness and justice.
A Righteous Judge
Understand the original words
holelim · Hebrew Noun
The state of having an arrogant, prideful, or insolent spirit. It describes those who exalt themselves against God and their neighbor.
sane · Hebrew Verb
A visceral, holy aversion to sin and sinners who refuse to repent. It expresses God’s absolute moral purity and His rejection of everything that opposes His holiness.
poale aven · Hebrew Noun/Adjective phrase
Individuals who consistently perform morally wrong or harmful deeds. They are defined by their lifestyle of defiance against God's commands.
kazab · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the act of lying or speaking falsehoods. Biblically, it signifies a deviation from truth and honesty, which is fundamentally contrary to God's nature and character.
This Psalm reflects the intense struggles David faced throughout his reign, grappling with treacherous enemies and internal strife, which shaped his pleas for divine justice and protection.
c. 1015–975 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King
David established the united monarchy of Israel, facing numerous internal and external threats, including rebellions and conflicts with neighboring nations. This period was marked by both his triumphs and his personal failings.
c. 1000 BC
Conquest of Jerusalem
David captured Jerusalem, making it the political and religious capital of Israel. This strategic move unified the tribes but also brought new challenges and enemies.
c. 990 BC
Absalom's Rebellion
David faced a devastating rebellion led by his own son, Absalom, which nearly cost him his throne and life. This event deeply shook his kingdom and his family.
c. 970 BC
David's Later Years and Succession
In his later years, David dealt with challenges to his succession, including the machinations of his son Adonijah. He ultimately appointed Solomon as his heir.
This passage directly addresses the concept of God's justice and hatred towards sin, asking 'Is there unrighteousness with God?' to affirm that God's actions are always just, even when they seem harsh to us.
Hebrews 1:9This verse uses a direct quote from Psalms, highlighting that God 'has loved righteousness and hated lawlessness,' reinforcing the core idea that God's very nature is opposed to evil.
1 John 3:15This passage makes a stark comparison, stating that 'everyone who hates his brother is a murderer,' connecting the hatred of evil with a fundamental aspect of godly living and showing the severity of hating what God hates.
Psalm 11:5This Psalm also describes God's perspective on the wicked, stating that 'the Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, and his soul hates him who loves violence,' underscoring that God not only despises evildoers but actively scrutinizes their deeds.
calvinPsalms 5:4-6: "For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee."
- For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness; [71] evil shall not dwell Smith thee. 5. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight; thou hatest all that commit iniquity. 6. Thou shalt destroy them that speak falsehood; Jehovah will abhor the blood-thirsty [72] and deceitful man.
Here David makes the malice and wickedness of his enemies an argument to enforce his prayer for th…
clarkePsalms 5:5: "The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity."
The foolish shall not stand - He is a fool and a madman who is running himself out of breath for no prize, who is fighting against the Almighty; this every wicked man does; therefore is every wicked man a fool and a madman. Thou hatest all workers of iniquity - Some sin now and then, others generally; some constantly, and some labor in it with all their might. These are the Workers of iniquity. Such eve…
What’s easily missed here is that the Hebrew word translated "foolish" can also mean "boastful" or "insolent." This isn't just about people who lack common sense; it's about those who arrogantly strut and puff themselves up, believing they can stand against God. The verse powerfully asserts that this kind of proud defiance has no place in God's presence; He utterly detests those who make sin their lifestyle.
David is crying out to God in distress, likely facing enemies who are not only powerful but also deceitful and cruel. He's presenting his case to God, contrasting his own integrity with the wickedness of his foes, emphasizing that God, being perfectly holy, cannot possibly favor or endure such evil people. This sets up his plea for God's intervention and protection against those who oppose him.
David is crying out to God in distress, likely facing enemies who are not only powerful but also deceitful and cruel. He's presenting his case to God, contrasting his own integrity with the wickedness of his foes, emphasizing that God, being perfectly holy, cannot possibly favor or endure such evil people. This sets up his plea for God's intervention and protection against those who oppose him.
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ta'ab · Hebrew Verb
An intense, active hatred or detestation. It describes God’s holy and righteous reaction against evil, emphasizing His absolute moral opposition to wickedness.
"The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man." — What’s easily missed here is that the Hebrew word translated "foolish" can also mean "boastful" or "insolent." This isn't just about people who lack common sense; it's about those who arrogantly stru…
