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Psalm 125:3
ESV For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong.
NIV The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.
NASB For the scepter of wickedness will not rest upon the land of the righteous, So that the righteous will not extend their hands to do wrong.
CSB The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, so that the righteous will not apply their hands to injustice.
NLT The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.
KJV For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.
NKJV For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest On the land allotted to the righteous, Lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.

What does Psalm 125:3 mean?

The Lord told Israel that He redeemed them from Egypt so they would live in a Promised Land (Leviticus 25:38). During the Babylonian captivity (2 Chronicles 36:17–21), Gentiles from surrounding nations settled in Israel. The people of Israel were plagued with unrighteous fellow Israelites and pagans who intermarried and brought their false beliefs (Exodus 23:33; Deuteronomy 18:9). This resulted in many Israelites being exploited (Nehemiah 5:1–9). This psalm may have been written during that time, and in response to these pressures of culture.

The psalmist assures God's people that this compromising situation will not continue forever. The Lord's power is enough to keep those who follow Him from being corrupted (Psalm 125:1–2; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Domination by ungodly powers will end, one day for Israel and eventually for the entire world (Revelation 20:4).

During Jesus' earthly ministry, similar situations were at play. Israel's religious leaders disobeyed God and engaged in hypocrisy. This led many Jews into sin (Matthew 3:7–10; 7:15–23; 15:1–9; 16:5–12). Paul issues a strong warning against compromising with those who defy the Lord's Word and His will: "bad company ruins good morals" (1 Corinthians 15:33). He also warns against the influence of unbelief in 2 Corinthians 6:14.
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