Psalms 101:3
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The eyes' role in moral compromise is illustrated throughout biblical narratives: Eve's visual desire for the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6), Lot's choice to pitch his tent toward Sodom because the plain was 'well watered...like the garden of the LORD' (Genesis 13:10), Achan's coveting what his eyes saw in Jericho's plunder (Joshua 7:21), David's adultery beginning when he 'saw a woman washing herself' (2 Samuel 11:2).
Ancient Near Eastern royal courts often featured entertainment, art, and advisors promoting polytheism, sexual immorality, and political intrigue. David's pledge to set 'no wicked thing before his eyes' meant refusing pagan religious imagery, rejecting counsel from corrupt advisors, and maintaining moral boundaries despite cultural norms.
The concept of 'hating' evil reflects covenant theology. The Shema commands loving God with totality (Deuteronomy 6:5); conversely, loyalty to God requires hating what God hates (Psalm 97:10, Amos 5:15). This isn't vindictive malice but moral clarity—recognizing and rejecting what destroys human flourishing and defies divine order.
Jesus intensified this principle, teaching that adultery begins with lustful looking (Matthew 5:28) and commanding radical amputation of whatever causes sin (Matthew 5:29-30, 18:8-9). The issue isn't literal eyes but guarding the heart by controlling inputs.
Questions for Reflection
- How does guarding visual input relate to maintaining spiritual purity in an image-saturated culture with pervasive digital media?
- Is there biblical precedent for 'hating' certain works or ideologies, and how is this distinct from hating people made in God's image?
- What practical strategies help prevent wickedness from 'cleaving' to us even when we must operate in corrupt environments?
Analysis & Commentary
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. David's commitment extends to what he allows to influence his mind and affections. "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes" (lo-ashit l'neged einai d'var-b'liya'al, לֹא־אָשִׁית לְנֶגֶד עֵינַי דְּבַר־בְּלִיָּעַל) uses beliya'al (בְּלִיַּעַל), meaning worthlessness, wickedness, or destruction. The phrase literally means "a worthless thing" or "thing of Belial" (Satan).
The eyes are portrayed as gatekeepers of the heart. What we allow before our eyes shapes desires, values, and character (Genesis 3:6—Eve "saw that the tree was good for food"; Joshua 7:21—Achan "saw...coveted...took"; 2 Samuel 11:2—David "saw a woman washing herself"). David pledges vigilance over visual input, refusing entertainment, counsel, or pursuits that promote wickedness.
"I hate the work of them that turn aside" (saneiti ma'aseh setim, שָׂנֵאתִי מַעֲשֵׂה שֵׂטִים) expresses vehement rejection of apostasy. Setim (שֵׂטִים) means those who turn away, deviate, or apostatize from God's ways. David doesn't merely disapprove but actively hates (sane, שָׂנֵא) their works—reflecting God's own hatred of evil (Psalm 5:5, Proverbs 6:16-19).
"It shall not cleave to me" (lo yidbaq bi, לֹא יִדְבַּק־בִּי) uses dabaq (דָּבַק), meaning to cling, adhere, or stick. David refuses to let wickedness attach itself to his character or administration. This suggests both personal purity and administrative vigilance—he will not tolerate corrupt officials or unjust practices in his government.