Psalm 66:18
ESV
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
NIV
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;
NASB
If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear;
CSB
If I had been aware of malice in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
NLT
If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
KJV
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
NKJV
If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.
What does Psalm 66:18 mean?
God is never obligated to give people their desires, regardless of how pious a person may be. And yet, Scripture also indicates that God is more inclined to hear the prayers of those who honor Him and avoid evil in their own hearts. In part, this is because those who truly honor God are more attuned to His will: what they ask for is more likely to be what He has already planned. God doesn't ignore a believer's prayers, even if they sin. But the prayers of someone with no respect for God aren't likely to be answered.To "cherish iniquity" is to treat evil as something worth protecting. Rather than rooting it out, confessing, and repenting, a person can hold it dear and refuse to be corrected. Such disregard for God's law makes prayer an abomination to God (Proverbs 28:9). Isaiah 59:2 reveals that sin separates sinners from God. Despite how one tries to cover up evil thoughts and attitudes, God sees the heart.
Proverbs 28:13 offers both a warning and a promise. The warning is, "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper." The promise is, "But he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." The Holy Spirit convicts of sin (John 16:9) so a sinning believer will confess his sin and receive forgiveness. First John 1:9 promises: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Psalm 66:13–20 addresses God, then the congregation. This comes after calling upon the nations to worship God because of His marvelous deeds on behalf of Israel. The psalmist wants to tell the assembled people that God heard his prayer and answered it. He concludes this section by praising God for answering prayer and extending His loyal love.
This psalm appeals to the entire world to worship the Lord. His great works, such as giving Israel safe passage through the Red Sea, should be praised. Because God watches the world, no one should presume they can rebel without consequences. God tested Israel heavily but brought the nation to an abundant place. The psalmist declares that he will fulfill his vows and offer sacrifices, because God answered his prayer. Verses 1–9 speak to the nations of earth; verses 10–15 are spoken to God; verses 16–20 are addressed to the congregation.
