Old Testament
Psalms 40:4
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse emphasizes the importance of placing trust in God rather than in people who are arrogant or deceitful.
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes the importance of placing trust in God rather than in people who are arrogant or deceitful. It highlights that true blessing comes from relying on the Lord for guidance and support. The proud are those who rely on their own strength and wisdom, while those who turn aside to lies are those who choose falsehood over truth. The verse encourages believers to focus on their relationship with God and to avoid being influenced by those who do not uphold integrity. By trusting in God, one can find true security and peace, as opposed to the instability that comes from following the ways of the proud or the deceitful. This trust leads to a blessed life, characterized by a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, rooted in faithfulness to God.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Psalms 40:4 to your life
To apply this verse, focus on building your trust in God through prayer and reading Scripture. Avoid being swayed by those who boast or promote dishonesty. Surround yourself with people who encourage truth and integrity, and seek to embody these values in your own life.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 40:4 mean by trusting in the Lord?
Trusting in the Lord means relying on God for guidance, strength, and support in all aspects of life. It signifies a deep faith that God will provide and protect, rather than depending on one's own abilities or the opinions of others. This trust leads to a blessed life, as it aligns one's heart with God's will and purpose.
How can I avoid being influenced by the proud and deceitful?
To avoid being influenced by the proud and deceitful, focus on building a strong relationship with God through prayer and studying the Bible. Surround yourself with honest, humble individuals who value integrity. Be discerning about the messages you receive from others and choose to engage with those who promote truth and righteousness.
What are the blessings mentioned in Psalms 40:4?
The blessings in Psalms 40:4 refer to the peace, fulfillment, and security that come from trusting in God. When you place your faith in the Lord, you experience a sense of purpose and stability that is not dependent on external circumstances or the opinions of others. This trust fosters a deeper relationship with God and leads to a life marked by joy and contentment.
Why does the verse mention not respecting the proud?
The verse mentions not respecting the proud because pride often leads to arrogance and a false sense of self-sufficiency. Those who are proud may disregard God's wisdom and rely solely on their own understanding, which can lead to deception and poor choices. By avoiding respect for the proud, believers are encouraged to seek humility and truth instead.

The Book of Psalms
Psalm 1: Two Paths
This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.
Unlock the full Psalms summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Psalms — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 150 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Psalms summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.