God opposes arrogance and will not permit unrepentant evil to flourish.
David, who reigned as king over Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC, penned Psalm 5 as a plea for God’s protection and discernment in the face of wickedness. In the middle of this psalm, he writes: “The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity.” (v.5) David observes the sweeping holiness of God, making it clear that the arrogant have no rightful claim to be in His presence. Pride, or boastfulness, sets a person’s heart in opposition to the humility God desires. We see a similar theme in the Old Testament example of Edom, a nation that became known for its pride and exploitation, and thus experienced the LORD’s judgment for failing to follow His ways. The boastful in Psalm 5 are those who exalt themselves instead of exalting God, and their iniquity places them beyond the boundary of God’s blessing.
The latter phrase—“You hate all who do iniquity.”—highlights the seriousness of sin in God’s eyes. The word “iniquity” speaks to twisted or crooked behavior that violates the standard of God’s righteousness. David acknowledges that the LORD loves righteousness and justice, and opposes the harm and oppression caused by those who persist in evil. Although God’s hatred here is not a fickle emotion, it emphasizes His just character and unwavering dedication to what is good. Scripturally, God’s posture stands ready to forgive repentant hearts (Psalm 86:5; Luke 18:13-14), yet He stands resolutely against a stubborn refusal to forsake sin.
The verse can also serve as an encouragement to believers who seek righteousness, illustrating that God does not overlook the wrongdoings of the arrogant, nor the suffering of those harmed by sin. The psalm, therefore, invites everyone to humble themselves, rely on God’s mercy, and walk in uprightness, trusting that He fully distinguishes between the righteous who seek His help and the wicked who will ultimately face His judgment.
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Psalms 5:5 meaning
David, who reigned as king over Israel from about 1010 BC to 970 BC, penned Psalm 5 as a plea for God’s protection and discernment in the face of wickedness. In the middle of this psalm, he writes: “The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity.” (v.5) David observes the sweeping holiness of God, making it clear that the arrogant have no rightful claim to be in His presence. Pride, or boastfulness, sets a person’s heart in opposition to the humility God desires. We see a similar theme in the Old Testament example of Edom, a nation that became known for its pride and exploitation, and thus experienced the LORD’s judgment for failing to follow His ways. The boastful in Psalm 5 are those who exalt themselves instead of exalting God, and their iniquity places them beyond the boundary of God’s blessing.
The latter phrase—“You hate all who do iniquity.”—highlights the seriousness of sin in God’s eyes. The word “iniquity” speaks to twisted or crooked behavior that violates the standard of God’s righteousness. David acknowledges that the LORD loves righteousness and justice, and opposes the harm and oppression caused by those who persist in evil. Although God’s hatred here is not a fickle emotion, it emphasizes His just character and unwavering dedication to what is good. Scripturally, God’s posture stands ready to forgive repentant hearts (Psalm 86:5; Luke 18:13-14), yet He stands resolutely against a stubborn refusal to forsake sin.
The verse can also serve as an encouragement to believers who seek righteousness, illustrating that God does not overlook the wrongdoings of the arrogant, nor the suffering of those harmed by sin. The psalm, therefore, invites everyone to humble themselves, rely on God’s mercy, and walk in uprightness, trusting that He fully distinguishes between the righteous who seek His help and the wicked who will ultimately face His judgment.