Definition: For thou [art] not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 5:4 – it's a really important and comforting part of the Bible. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “You are not God; you don’t enjoy or seek out wickedness. And evil will not be near you.” Let’s unpack that a little further: "You are not God…" This is the core of the message. It's highlighting a fundamental difference between humanity and God. God is perfect, loving, and benevolent – He wants to protect and care for us. This verse directly challenges the idea of God having any desire or enjoyment in wickedness – which is essentially evil or wrongdoing. “…that hath pleasure in wickedness…” “Hath” means “has.” So, this part emphasizes that God doesn’t have a liking or pleasure in wickedness. It's not about God being annoyed by it; it’s about the state of things itself – the kind of behavior that is harmful and destructive. “…neither shall evil dwell with thee.” This is the consequence of this rejection of wickedness. “Evil” represents something negative, potentially causing pain, harm, or destruction. This verse promises that because you don’t have a desire for it, evil will not be present in your life or your surroundings. It's about protection and safety. What does this mean practically? This verse is a reminder of God's holiness and his desire to protect us from temptation and harm. It encourages: Trust: To trust in God, who is perfect and just. Protection: To seek His guidance and protection as we live our lives. Serenity: To find peace and safety in knowing that evil won’t be near. In short, it's a powerful statement about the nature of God and his commitment to our well-being. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about this passage within the larger story of the Bible?