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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/34-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/19_Psa_034_014.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 34:14 - Taste and See that the LORD is Good" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/34-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/34-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/34.htm">Chapter 34</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/34-13.htm" title="Psalm 34:13">◄</a> Psalm 34:14 <a href="/psalms/34-15.htm" title="Psalm 34:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/34.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/34.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/34.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/34.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/34.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/34.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/34.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/34.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Turn from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/34.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/34.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/34.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/34.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/34.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/34.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/34.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/34.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Do good instead of evil and try to live at peace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/34.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/34.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Turn away from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/34.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; strive for peace with all your heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/34.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Avoid evil and do good! Seek peace and pursue it!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/34.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/34.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do what is right! Strive for peace and promote it! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/34.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/34.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/34.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/34.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Turn aside from evil and do good, "" Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/34.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Turn aside from evil and do good, Seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/34.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Turn away from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/34.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Turn away from evil and do good: seek after peace and pursue it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/34.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 33:15>Turn away from evil, and do good. Inquire about peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/34.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/34.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/34.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/34.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Pass from evil and do good, seek peace and run after it.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/34.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/34.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Turn away from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/34-14.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=3716" 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/34.htm">Taste and See that the LORD is Good</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: sūr (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">Turn away</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: mê·rā‘ (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">from evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wa·‘ă·śêh- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and do</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (N-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: baq·qêš (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">seek</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: šā·lō·wm (N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">peace</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: wə·rā·ḏə·p̄ê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">and pursue it.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.…<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="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10-11</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. / He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a></span><br />Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17-18</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. / Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17</a></span><br />The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-17</a></span><br />Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-19.htm">Romans 14:19</a></span><br />So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">2 Timothy 2:22</a></span><br />Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a></span><br />Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16</a></span><br />A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-17.htm">Proverbs 15:17</a></span><br />Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3</a></span><br />It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.</p><p class="hdg">Depart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-27.htm">Psalm 37:27</a></b></br> Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a></b></br> And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that <i>is</i> wisdom; and to depart from evil <i>is</i> understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a></b></br> Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.</p><p class="hdg">do</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/10-38.htm">Acts 10:38</a></b></br> How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/6-10.htm">Galatians 6:10</a></b></br> As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all <i>men</i>, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/titus/2-14.htm">Titus 2:14</a></b></br> Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.</p><p class="hdg">seek</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/120-7.htm">Psalm 120:7</a></b></br> I <i>am for</i> peace: but when I speak, they <i>are</i> for war.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a></b></br> Blessed <i>are</i> the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a></b></br> If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/9-17.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/psalms/34-12.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/psalms/34-13.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/34-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/33-21.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/29-11.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/31-15.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/psalms/27-8.htm">Search</a> <a href="/psalms/34-10.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/psalms/31-2.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/psalms/34-5.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/37-27.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/psalms/35-27.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/psalms/34-16.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/35-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/35-20.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/35-3.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/psalms/37-36.htm">Search</a> <a href="/psalms/35-4.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/psalms/37-8.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/psalms/35-4.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 34</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/34-1.htm">David praises God, and exhorts others thereto by his experience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/34-8.htm">They are blessed who trust in God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/34-11.htm">He exhorts to the fear of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/34-15.htm">The privileges of the righteous</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'; 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In the context of the Psalms, this reflects the wisdom literature's call to live a life that is pleasing to God. The concept of turning away from evil is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-17</a>, where the prophet calls the people to wash themselves and cease to do evil. This turning away is not merely a physical act but a transformation of the heart and mind, aligning with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, who calls for inner purity and righteousness.<p><b>and do good;</b><br>The call to "do good" is a fundamental aspect of biblical ethics, urging believers to actively engage in righteous behavior. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who summarized the law and the prophets with the command to love God and love one's neighbor (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a>). The historical context of the Psalms often reflects a community-oriented society where doing good would involve acts of justice, mercy, and kindness, as seen in <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>. This phrase encourages proactive engagement in positive actions, reflecting God's character and His desire for His people to be a light to the nations.<p><b>seek peace</b><br>Seeking peace involves more than the absence of conflict; it is about pursuing wholeness and harmony in relationships. In the Hebrew context, peace (shalom) encompasses well-being, prosperity, and completeness. This pursuit of peace is a recurring theme in the Bible, seen in the Beatitudes where Jesus blesses the peacemakers (<a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a>). The historical backdrop of the Psalms often includes times of war and strife, making the call to seek peace particularly poignant. It reflects God's ultimate plan for reconciliation and peace through Christ, who is referred to as the Prince of Peace (<a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a>).<p><b>and pursue it.</b><br>The word "pursue" implies an active, ongoing effort, suggesting that peace is not easily attained and requires diligence and perseverance. This aligns with the New Testament exhortations to strive for peace with everyone (<a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a>) and to live at peace as much as it depends on you (<a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>). The cultural context of the ancient Near East, with its frequent conflicts and tribal disputes, underscores the radical nature of this command. Pursuing peace is a reflection of God's kingdom values, where believers are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">2 Corinthians 5:18-20</a>), embodying the peace that Christ has made possible through His sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/34.htm">Psalm 34</a>, David wrote this psalm during a time of personal distress, specifically when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away (<a href="/1_samuel/21-10.htm">1 Samuel 21:10-15</a>). This context highlights David's reliance on God for deliverance and guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>A Philistine king, also known as Achish, who encountered David when he fled from Saul. This event underscores the theme of seeking God's protection and peace amidst adversity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The original audience of the psalm, who were often reminded to live righteously and seek peace as part of their covenant relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/rejecting_evil.htm">Rejecting Evil</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to actively turn away from evil. This involves a conscious decision to reject sin and its influences in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_goodness.htm">Pursuing Goodness</a></b><br>Doing good is not passive; it requires intentional actions that reflect God's righteousness and love in our daily interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_peace.htm">Seeking Peace</a></b><br>Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of God's harmony. We are to actively seek and pursue peace in our relationships and communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/continuous_pursuit.htm">Continuous Pursuit</a></b><br>The Hebrew word for "pursue" (radaph) implies a relentless chase. Our pursuit of peace and goodness should be persistent and unwavering.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/holistic_living.htm">Holistic Living</a></b><br>Turning from evil and doing good encompasses all aspects of life, including thoughts, words, and deeds, aligning our entire being with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_34.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 34</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_will_betray_me_as_prophesied.htm">What is the Bible's stance on violence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_we_defend_and_uphold_our_faith.htm">What does the Bible say about good and evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'blessed_are_peacemakers'_mean.htm">What does "Blessed are the peacemakers" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_avoid_fights_and_promote_peace.htm">How can we avoid quarreling and promote peace?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/34.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">And do good.</span>--Negative goodness is not sufficient. Practical good must be added.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/34.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Depart from evil,</span> <span class="cmt_word">and do good.</span> From words the psalmist proceeds to acts, and, in the briefest possible way, says all that can be said. First, he enjoins negative goodness - "depart from evil," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> do nothing that is wrong; break no laws of God, no command of conscience; have a conscience void of offence, both towards God and towards man. Secondly, he requires positive goodness - "Do good;" i.e. actively perform the will of God from the heart; discharge every duty; practise every virtue; carry out the precepts of the moral law in every particular. <span class="cmt_word">Seek peace, and pursue it.</span> It is not clear why this virtue - one of many - is specially enjoined; but probably some circumstances of the time made the recommendation advisable. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/34-14.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">Turn away</span><br /><span class="heb">ס֣וּר</span> <span class="translit">(sūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from evil</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֭רָע</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | 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">and do</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲשֵׂה־</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·śêh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good;</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֑וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">seek</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּקֵּ֖שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(baq·qêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">peace</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁל֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(šā·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> </span><span class="str2">Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and pursue it.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרָדְפֵֽהוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rā·ḏə·p̄ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/34-14.htm">Psalm 34:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/34-14.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil and do good (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/34-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 34:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 34:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/34-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 34:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 34:15" /></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>