Does Our Walk Match Our Talk?

Psalm 101

Many schools and businesses have a code of conduct that they want their students or employees to abide by.  They know that a person’s behavior will reflect back upon the school or the company. Families know that bad behavior on the part of a member will tarnish the family name in public, whereas good conduct will raise the family’s esteem in people’s minds.  Today’s psalm was written by King David, probably near the beginning of his reign as king. It records the standards of conduct that he wanted to follow. Let’s take a look at this psalm and see the keys given in God’s Word for leading a godly life.

One of the first things David mentions in his compilation of godly standards of conduct is a desire for himself to behave wisely (vs. 2). So often our mistakes come because we just weren’t thinking, we didn’t take the time to think before we acted. David knew there would be less problems in life if he would only think and act wisely first.

Next he cautions himself to act properly, not only out in public, but also at home (vs. 2).  It is one thing to walk in a godly way when we are out in public, and we know people are watching us.  It’s another to behave righteously and godly at home, where only family sees us. God wants us to do both.   This is sometimes one of the reasons why it is difficult to witness about the Lord Jesus to our unsaved family members. They see how we act at home, and think we are hypocrites. Our behavior at home and in public should be honoring to the Lord.

David then counsels himself not to look upon anything that is wicked or worthless (vs. 3). It is the Lord’s desire that we avoid entertainment that glorifies or romanticizes immorality, whether it’s movies, the internet, books, etc.  All it takes is a quick, seemingly harmless look to start us on the downhill path into some sin, be it adultery, theft, etc. We need to stay away from any situation that could cause us to stumble if we want to avoid evil.  Our entertainment should be uplifting.

Next David cautions himself and us to avoid evil associates (vs. 4-7). He knew that those we keep close company with will definitely contribute to shaping our character.  If they are of low character, they are going to bring us down, as well. Their language, bad habits, and shady behavior will quickly rub off onto us. Instead, we should choose as role models and friends those who are godly and truthful. It is very clear that our friends and associates can have a profound influence on our lives.  In light of that, the people we associate with should be those who are faithful to God and His Word.

David tells us that he doesn’t want anyone around him who has a perverse, corrupt, or evil heart (vs. 4).  He wants no part with those who plot devious or wicked acts. David also shares with us that if someone talks slander against others, as the king he will not tolerate their behavior (vs. 5).  Slander, or defamation of one’s character, is a big part of gossip, which so many like to take part in. God is not happy when we tear each other apart, especially when the lies destroys another’s character.

Another group David doesn’t want around in his company are those who have a proud heart (vs. 5).  The proud feel no need for God, and have little or no regard for their fellow man. David doesn’t wish them around him.  He also doesn’t want liars or the deceitful as part of his associates (vs. 7). By consorting with liars, one can easily be tempted and drawn into their ways. Truth should be a foundation stone in our life.

King David instead chose for his companions those who were faithful to the Lord God, and those who sought to be perfect and blameless in their behavior (vs. 6).  He knew, as we all do, that no one is perfect. We are all sinners. However, he sought out those who were faithful to God, and who desired to follow in His ways.  Just as an archer aims his arrows towards the bullseye, David wanted his companions and himself to be people of integrity, who aim to follow God, who desire to obey His Word.  Like David, we should be motivated to godly standards of conduct, both for ourselves and for those we choose to surround ourselves with.