Psalm 28:3

Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts.

Study Bible

Do not drag me away
This phrase is a heartfelt plea from David, the psalmist, expressing his desire not to be counted among the wicked. The Hebrew root for "drag" is "משך" (mashak), which conveys the idea of being pulled or drawn away forcefully. In the context of ancient Israel, being "dragged away" could imply being taken to judgment or destruction. David's plea reflects a deep yearning for divine protection and separation from those who do evil.

with the wicked
The term "wicked" in Hebrew is "רשעים" (resha'im), referring to those who are morally wrong or guilty of sin. In the biblical context, the wicked are often contrasted with the righteous, those who live according to God's laws. David's concern is not just about physical separation but also about spiritual and moral distinction. He seeks to align himself with God's righteousness rather than the path of the wicked.

and with the workers of iniquity
"Workers of iniquity" translates from the Hebrew "פעלי און" (po'alei aven), which literally means "doers of trouble" or "makers of sorrow." This phrase emphasizes active participation in sin and wrongdoing. In the historical context of the Psalms, such individuals were often seen as those who disrupt the peace and order of society, acting contrary to God's will. David's prayer is for discernment and deliverance from being associated with such individuals.

who speak peace to their neighbors
This phrase highlights the duplicity of the wicked. The Hebrew word for "peace" is "שלום" (shalom), a term that encompasses wholeness, harmony, and well-being. The wicked are described as those who outwardly express peaceful intentions, yet their actions betray their true nature. This reflects a common biblical theme of hypocrisy, where outward appearances do not match inner realities.

but malice is in their hearts
"Malice" in Hebrew is "רעה" (ra'ah), which denotes evil intent or wickedness. The heart, "לב" (lev) in Hebrew, is considered the center of thought, emotion, and will in biblical anthropology. This phrase underscores the deceitful nature of the wicked, whose inner thoughts and intentions are corrupt despite their outward expressions of peace. David's insight into the human heart aligns with the broader biblical narrative that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David is expressing a plea for divine justice and protection from deceitful and wicked individuals.

2. The Wicked
These are individuals characterized by their deceitful nature, speaking peace outwardly while harboring malice internally.

3. Workers of Iniquity
This term refers to those who actively engage in sinful behavior, contributing to the moral decay of society.

4. Neighbors
The people to whom the wicked speak peace, representing those who may be deceived by outward appearances.

5. God
The ultimate judge and protector, whom David is appealing to for deliverance and justice.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Relationships
As believers, we must seek God's wisdom to discern the true intentions of those around us, recognizing that not everyone who speaks peace has pure motives.

Integrity of Heart
We are called to align our words with our hearts, ensuring that our outward expressions of peace are genuine and not tainted by hidden malice.

Prayer for Protection
Like David, we should regularly pray for God's protection against those who may seek to harm us through deceit and wickedness.

Trust in Divine Justice
We can find comfort in knowing that God is aware of the true nature of every heart and will ultimately bring justice to those who practice iniquity.

Self-Examination
This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we are not guilty of the same duplicity we seek to avoid in others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we develop discernment to recognize when someone is speaking peace but harboring malice in their heart?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our own words and actions reflect a heart of integrity and not deceit?

3. How does understanding God's role as a just judge provide comfort when dealing with deceitful individuals?

4. What practical steps can we take to protect ourselves from being influenced by the workers of iniquity?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Psalm 28:3 to our interactions within our community and church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 26:9-10
This passage also speaks of a plea to be separated from sinners and those who engage in deceitful practices.

Proverbs 26:24-26
These verses discuss the duplicity of those who speak graciously but harbor deceit, similar to the wicked described in Psalm 28:3.

Matthew 23:27-28
Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, paralleling the concept of outward peace and inward malice.

Jeremiah 9:8
This verse highlights the deceitful nature of those who speak peace but have evil intentions, echoing the sentiments of Psalm 28:3.