Definition: Incline not my heart to [any] evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down Psalm 141:4. It's a really beautiful and powerful verse about turning away from wrong behavior. Hereâs what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially asking God to keep us pure and free from temptation and wrongdoing. Letâs unpack it word by word: âIncline not my heartâ : This is the key part. âInclineâ means to tilt or incline something upwards. So, it's saying "donât lean" or "donât incline" your heart towards anything bad â toward wickedness, negativity, or harmful thoughts. ââŠto practise wicked works with men that work iniquityâ : This part describes what we shouldn't do. âPractiseâ means to do something regularly or habitually. âWicked worksâ refers to things like lying, stealing, breaking promises, and doing wrong â anything that goes against Godâs will. âThat work iniquityâ means they are actively involved in these harmful actions. ââŠand let me not eat of their daintiesâ : This is a very direct command. It means "don't enjoy or indulge in the pleasures or delights of others." âEat of their daintiesâ is a figurative way of saying âdonât be greedy, spoiled, or overly concerned with worldly things.â Putting it all together: The verse is telling us to actively resist temptation and harmful behavior. It's about choosing to live a righteous and pure life, free from negativity and desire for things that are wrong. Itâs a plea for Godâs protection and guidance in our lives. In essence, Psalm 141:4 is a reminder to stay focused on God, to avoid temptation, and to prioritize righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Psalms? Give some examples of how this verse applies to our lives today?