June 11, 2024 - Psalms 141-145

“Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!  Let a righteous man strike me-- it is a kindness; let him rebuke me-- it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it” (141:4-5).  A contrast:  Do not let me hang around with wicked people vs. Let the righteous man rebuke me.  In many places, the Bible cautions us about “the company we keep.”  The people of Israel were told to clear the Promised Land of idolaters and wicked doers because, if not, they would lead Israel to sin against God (e.g., Deuteronomy 7, 28).  Hear these additional words of counsel:

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20).

“Do not be deceived:  Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Proverbs 14:7

“Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge” (Proverbs 14:7).

It really does matter what company we keep!

We have been gifted with each other,

and we are called by the Word of the Lord:

to act with justice, to love tenderly,

and to walk humbly with our God,

to walk humbly with our God.

We are companions on the journey,

breaking bread and sharing life;

and in the love we bear is the hope we share

for we believe in the love of our God,

we believe in the love of our God.   -- Carey Landry (2003)