Psalms 26:4

I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The psalmist speaks to God, positioning his personal conduct in direct contrast to the deceitful and hypocritical behavior he refuses to emulate. This declaration occurs within a broader plea for vindication, sandwiched between affirmations of walking in divine truth and a stated hatred for the assembly of evildoers.

The words — The Hebrew verb יָ֭שַׁבְתִּי (Ya.shav.ti) literally means "I sit," denoting habitual association or prolonged fellowship rather than a single physical act. It is paired with נַ֝עֲלָמִ֗ים (na.'a.la.Mim), translated as "[those who] conceal themselves," describing individuals who actively hide their true motives.

The thread — This pattern of deliberate separation from unfaithful groups appears in Jeremiah 15:17, where the prophet refuses to sit with revelers, and in Psalms 1:1, which warns against sitting in the seat of scoffers. Proverbs 13:20 reinforces the same boundary by contrasting the wisdom gained from the righteous with the destruction that follows companionship with fools.

Why it lands — The text demands a deliberate rejection of corrupt social alliances that compromise integrity. It requires the reader to evaluate their regular associations against the standard of truth rather than seeking approval from the unfaithful.

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

לֹא־lo'-not יָ֭שַׁבְתִּיYa.shav.tiI sit עִם־'im-with מְתֵי־me.tei-men of שָׁ֑וְאShav'falsehood וְעִ֥םve./'Imand/ with נַ֝עֲלָמִ֗יםna.'a.la.Mim[those who] conceal themselves לֹ֣אlo'not אָבֽוֹא׃'a.Vo'I go

King James Version

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

Cross-references

Jeremiah 15:17 I never sat with the band of revelers, nor did I celebrate with them. Because Your hand was on me, I sat alone, for You have filled me with indignation.
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.
Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Psalms 119:115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may obey the commandments of my God.
2 Corinthians 6:17 “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
Psalms 119:63 I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Proverbs 9:6 Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”
Proverbs 12:11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.