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Psalm 52:3 You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah
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Interlude<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/52.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking what is right. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/52.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/52.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thou lovest evil more than good; <i>and</i> lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/52.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. Selah</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/52.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, Lies more than speaking what is right. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/52.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, Falsehood more than speaking what is right. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/52.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />You love evil more than good, Falsehood more than speaking what is right. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/52.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You love evil more than good, Falsehood more than speaking what is right. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/52.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, And falsehood more than speaking what is right. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/52.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You love evil instead of good, lying instead of speaking truthfully. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/52.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You love evil instead of good, lying instead of speaking truthfully. Selah <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/52.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Thou lovest evil more than good, And lying rather than to speak righteousness. [Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/52.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You would rather do evil than good, and tell lies than speak the truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/52.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/52.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You prefer evil to good. You prefer lying to speaking the truth. [Selah]<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/52.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You love evil more than good and falsehood more than truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/52.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking uprightly. Interlude<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/52.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/52.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, lies more than speaking the truth. (Selah) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/52.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking the truth. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/52.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/52.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking the truth. Selah. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/52.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You have loved evil rather than good, "" Lying, than speaking righteousness. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/52.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thou hast loved evil rather than good, Lying, than speaking righteousness. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/52.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br /><RF q=*><font color=#808080><i>The original Julia E. Smith Bible records the following as a verse reference for </i></font><i><font color=#0000FF> <a href=#>Ps 52:5</a></i></font><Rf>Thou lovedst evil above good; falsehood more than speaking justice. Silence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/52.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou hast loved malice more than goodness: and iniquity rather than to speak righteousness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/52.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 51:5>You have loved malice above goodness, and iniquity more than speaking righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/52.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, lying rather than saying what is right. <i>Selah</i> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/52.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking the truth. Selah<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/52.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You love evil more than good, and lying rather than speaking righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/52.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You have loved evil more than good, and lying more than speaking righteousness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/52.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Thou lovest evil more than good; Falsehood rather than speaking righteousness. Selah <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/52.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou hast loved wickedness more than goodness; unrighteousness better than to speak righteousness. Pause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/52-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=6211" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/52.htm">Why Do You Boast of Evil?</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: ’ā·haḇ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">You love</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā‘ (Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: miṭ·ṭō·wḇ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">more than good,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8267.htm" title="8267: še·qer (N-ms) -- Deception, disappointment, falsehood. From shaqar; an untruth; by implication, a sham.">falsehood</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: mid·dab·bêr (Prep-m:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">more than speaking</a> <a href="/hebrew/6664.htm" title="6664: ṣe·ḏeq (N-ms) -- Rightness, righteousness. From tsadaq; the right; also equity or prosperity.">truth.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5542.htm" title="5542: se·lāh (Interjection) -- To lift up, exalt. From calah; suspension, i.e. Pause.">Selah</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a></span><br />There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-3.htm">Jeremiah 9:3-5</a></span><br />“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. / “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-12.htm">Micah 6:12</a></span><br />For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-3.htm">Isaiah 59:3-4</a></span><br />For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice. / No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-1.htm">Hosea 4:1-2</a></span><br />Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! / Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-22.htm">Proverbs 12:22</a></span><br />Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Proverbs 19:5</a></span><br />A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/5-9.htm">Psalm 5:9</a></span><br />For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-7.htm">Psalm 10:7</a></span><br />His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/36-3.htm">Psalm 36:3</a></span><br />The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/58-3.htm">Psalm 58:3</a></span><br />The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3-4</a></span><br />who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/120-2.htm">Psalm 120:2-3</a></span><br />Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips and a deceitful tongue. / What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a></span><br />You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You love evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.</p><p class="hdg">lovest</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/4-22.htm">Jeremiah 4:22</a></b></br> For my people <i>is</i> foolish, they have not known me; they <i>are</i> sottish children, and they have none understanding: they <i>are</i> wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/micah/3-2.htm">Micah 3:2</a></b></br> Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/1-25.htm">Romans 1:25</a></b></br> Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.</p><p class="hdg">lying</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/62-4.htm">Psalm 62:4</a></b></br> They only consult to cast <i>him</i> down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/9-3.htm">Jeremiah 9:3-5,8</a></b></br> And they bend their tongues <i>like</i> their bow <i>for</i> lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a></b></br> Ye are of <i>your</i> father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/41-6.htm">Falsehood</a> <a href="/psalms/51-18.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/48-9.htm">Love</a> <a href="/psalms/47-4.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/job/36-21.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/psalms/51-19.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/51-19.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/50-6.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/psalms/34-13.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/psalms/51-6.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/psalms/46-8.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/55-11.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/psalms/52-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/62-4.htm">Falsehood</a> <a href="/psalms/52-9.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/52-4.htm">Love</a> <a href="/psalms/78-68.htm">Loved</a> <a href="/psalms/84-10.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/psalms/57-8.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/57-10.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/52-5.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/psalms/58-3.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/psalms/54-5.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/psalms/53-1.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 52</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">David, condemning the spitefulness of Doeg, prophesies his destruction</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/52-6.htm">The righteous shall rejoice at it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/52-8.htm">David, upon his confidence in God's mercy, gives thanks</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/52.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/52.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You love evil more than good</b><br>This phrase highlights a moral inversion, where evil is preferred over good. In biblical context, this reflects the condition of the human heart apart from God, as seen in <a href="/genesis/6-5.htm">Genesis 6:5</a>, where every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The preference for evil over good is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating the fallen nature of humanity. This phrase can also be connected to <a href="/isaiah/5-20.htm">Isaiah 5:20</a>, which warns against calling evil good and good evil. Theologically, it underscores the need for divine intervention and redemption, as only through Christ can one truly love good over evil.<p><b>falsehood more than speaking truth</b><br>This part of the verse addresses the preference for deceit over honesty. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, truth was highly valued, as seen in the ninth commandment against bearing false witness (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a>). The love of falsehood is indicative of a heart that is not aligned with God's character, as God is described as a God of truth (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-4.htm">Deuteronomy 32:4</a>). This preference for falsehood can be seen in the actions of figures like Doeg the Edomite, who betrayed David by lying to Saul (1 Samuel 22). In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the truth (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>), making the love of falsehood antithetical to following Christ.<p><b>Selah</b><br>The term "Selah" is often found in the Psalms and is thought to be a musical or liturgical pause, inviting the reader or listener to reflect on what has been said. In this context, it serves as a moment to ponder the gravity of choosing evil over good and falsehood over truth. It encourages self-examination and contemplation of one's own heart and actions in light of God's standards. Theologically, it can be seen as a call to repentance and a reminder of the need for God's grace to transform the heart.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/52.htm">Psalm 52</a>, David wrote this psalm in response to the treachery of Doeg the Edomite, who betrayed him to King Saul.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/doeg_the_edomite.htm">Doeg the Edomite</a></b><br>A servant of King Saul who informed Saul of David's visit to Ahimelech the priest, leading to the massacre of the priests at Nob.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_saul.htm">King Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who was in pursuit of David, seeing him as a threat to his throne.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahimelech_the_priest.htm">Ahimelech the Priest</a></b><br>The priest who assisted David, unaware of the conflict between David and Saul, and was subsequently killed by Saul's order.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/n/nob.htm">Nob</a></b><br>The city of priests where Ahimelech resided and where the massacre took place.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_evil_and_good.htm">The Nature of Evil and Good</a></b><br>Evil is not just the absence of good but an active choice against God's will. Believers are called to discern and choose good over evil.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Falsehood and truth are powerful forces. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak truth in love and avoid deceit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/heart's_affection.htm">Heart's Affection</a></b><br>What we love reveals our heart's condition. We must examine our affections and align them with God's desires.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_betrayal.htm">Consequences of Betrayal</a></b><br>Betrayal, as seen in Doeg's actions, leads to destruction and sorrow. Loyalty and integrity are vital in our relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflection_and_pause.htm">Reflection and Pause (Selah)</a></b><br>The term "Selah" invites us to pause and reflect on the weight of our choices between good and evil.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_52.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 52</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_of_swift_judgment_in_psalm_52.htm">Psalm 52:3–4 implies a swift downfall for those who love lies; where is the historical evidence supporting this immediate judgment? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_boast_of_evil_if_god's_good_is_eternal.htm">In Psalm 52:1, how can a 'mighty man' boast of evil if God's goodness is supposedly everlasting?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_9_6_align_with_evil's_presence.htm">Psalm 9:6 states the enemy is 'come to a perpetual end,' yet evil persists globally; how can this be reconciled?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/proof_of_psalm_52's_link_to_doeg.htm">If Psalm 52 is specifically about Doeg the Edomite, where is the archaeological or textual proof confirming these events?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/52.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou lovest evil</span> <span class="cmt_word">more than good.</span> To "love evil" is to have reached <span class="cmt_word">the</span> lowest depth of depravity. It is to say, with Milton's Satan, "Evil, be thou my good!" <span class="cmt_word">And lying rather than to speak</span> <span class="cmt_word">righteousness</span> (see the comment on ver. 2). Doeg's crimes seem to have arisen out of a mere love of evil. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/52-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You love</span><br /><span class="heb">אָהַ֣בְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·haḇ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil</span><br /><span class="heb">רָּ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">more than good,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִטּ֑וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(miṭ·ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">falsehood</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֓קֶר ׀</span> <span class="translit">(še·qer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8267.htm">Strong's 8267: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deception, disappointment, falsehood</span><br /><br /><span class="word">more than speaking</span><br /><span class="heb">מִדַּבֵּ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(mid·dab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the truth.</span><br /><span class="heb">צֶ֣דֶק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣe·ḏeq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6664.htm">Strong's 6664: </a> </span><span class="str2">The right, equity, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Selah</span><br /><span class="heb">סֶֽלָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(se·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5542.htm">Strong's 5542: </a> </span><span class="str2">Suspension, pause</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/52-3.htm">Psalm 52:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/52-3.htm">Psalm 52:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/52-3.htm">Psalm 52:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/52-3.htm">Psalm 52:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/52-3.htm">Psalm 52:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/52-3.htm">Psalm 52:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/52-3.htm">Psalm 52:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/52-3.htm">Psalm 52:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/52-3.htm">Psalm 52:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/52-3.htm">Psalm 52:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/52-3.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 52:3 You love evil more than good lying (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/52-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 52:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 52:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/52-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 52:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 52:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>