Bible Strands
Psalms 101:4
A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist declares a personal vow of moral separation, establishing boundaries against corruption while addressing God and the community he leads.
The words — עִקֵּשׁ ('I.kesh) translates literally as "perverse," describing a twisted or crooked disposition, while יָס֣וּר (ya.Sur) means "it will depart" or "turn away."
The thread — The contrast between a twisted heart and blameless conduct appears in Proverbs 11:20, and the call to reject moral corruption aligns with Proverbs 8:13, which lists hating evil, arrogant pride, and perverse speech as part of fearing the Lord.
Why it lands — The verse requires a deliberate refusal to entertain wickedness and a commitment to maintain personal integrity without compromise.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 11:20 The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, but the blameless in their walk are His delight.
- Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
- 2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
- Psalms 119:115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may obey the commandments of my God.
- Proverbs 9:6 Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”
- Proverbs 22:24 Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man,
- Matthew 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’
- 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
- Psalms 6:8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard my weeping.
- Proverbs 2:12 to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity,