Psalms 5:4

Psalms 5:4

Psalm 5:4 declares, “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.” The psalmist contrasts God’s holy nature with the reality of wickedness. The statement reflects the moral order of creation: God cannot tolerate sin or permit evil to persist in his presence. It also indicates a distinction between God’s character and human behavior; while humans may struggle with sin, God remains perfectly righteous and pure. The verse serves as a liturgical reminder of God’s holiness that informs the psalmist’s plea for justice and vindication. It also helps readers understand why the psalmist prays for God to act against the wicked, knowing that evil cannot coexist with God’s holy dwelling.

The verse articulates a foundational theological truth: God’s holiness shapes his responses to human wickedness. It affirms that true worship requires alignment with God’s moral standard. It also foreshadows the biblical theme of separation between good and evil, and the ultimate defeat of sin in God’s righteous judgment. This divine holiness provides a basis for trust in God’s justice—though evil may seem to prosper at times, God’s character guarantees a rightful order where evil will be dealt with.

When you encounter injustice or moral failure, this verse can anchor your response: trust that God cannot tolerate wickedness without consequence, and that he will act righteously. It invites you to pursue holiness in daily life—rejecting sinful patterns, resisting complicit compromises, and choosing integrity even when it’s costly. In conflict, instead of mirroring malice, seek outcomes that reflect God’s holiness: truth-telling, reconciliation, and accountability. For personal temptations, remind yourself that you serve a holy God who cannot tolerate ongoing sin; seek accountability, confession, and practical steps toward righteousness.

Cross-References: Psalm 1:4-5; Psalm 11:5-6; Habakkuk 1:13; Romans 1:18-19; 1 John 3:3