Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. — Psalm 1:1
I am always interested in old sayings. There is often a lot of truth to be found in these statements from days gone by. Not because they are filled with fancy words, but because they usually involve simple truths. Truths that someone learned and felt the need to share to help others.
One such saying is “You are the company you keep.” I heard the saying often as I was growing up. The idea teaches that you often become those you associate with. For example, let’s say you struck up a friendship with an art expert. If you had the slightest interest in art, there’s a good chance that friendship will lead you to an even deeper love of art.
But in many instances, the company we keep ends up turning out to be a bad thing. That seems to be the warning of Psalm 1 here. The psalmist writes that a special blessing is on someone’s life when they separate themselves from a certain type of people.
That is not to say that we don’t associate with people who are ungodly, sinners, or those who mock and ridicule God. We live in a world where those things are so prevalent that it is nearly impossible to avoid. Instead, the idea is that we don’t spend time with them so as to be influenced by them.
Think about those who you are close with. Are they encouraging you in your walk with God, or are they dragging you into sin and ungodliness? While you may think you can avoid becoming what they are, their influence is stronger than you could ever imagine.
If you find yourself keeping company with the wrong people, ask God to help. He will help you and guide you through the situation.
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