There is a song that is often sung in children’s Sunday School classes, or in children’s church settings. It goes “O be careful little eyes what you see. Be careful little eyes what you see. For the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little eyes what you see.” Other verses speak of the ears and hearing, the mouth and speaking, and the feet in where they go. The lesson in that song is appropriate for adults, as well. King David would agree with the sentiments of that children’s song. One psalm that he wrote, our psalm for this week, touches on that theme.
David began this psalm, like he did with most of his psalms, with words of praise to the Lord (vs. 1). David praised God’s lovingkindness and mercy, along with His justice. They are guiding values by which God wants us to operate (Micah 6:8).
As we read through this psalm we see that David had some very strong convictions about many things. Our convictions should, just like David’s did, give our beliefs a backbone. David wanted to be a man of integrity, being totally honest and thoroughly sound (vs. 2). He wanted to be authentic, and not change his convictions or standards just in order to please anyone. All too often we see that today, including with many pastors who will alter their sermon messages in order to please popular opinion, his audience, or the venue. David wasn’t looking to please people when he wrote this psalm, either at that time or today, as there are some today who would say he is being too strong or judgmental against others.
As our psalm continues we read that David made some vows in line with the convictions he had. One was that he would set nothing wicked or vile before his eyes, he would not spend time looking at anything evil (vs. 3). In David’s day that might include some sinful artwork, erotic dancers, or sinful literature. Today we have an even greater array of wicked things that we can be looking at, such as shows on TV, the movies, and especially on the internet, which can so easily bring sinful things to our sight. Living a transformed life means being careful about what we see, say, and hear. As Christians we need to make sure that the influences in our life are uplifting, which includes all forms of entertainment. When we guard our eyes, ears, and mouth, we ultimately guard our heart, which is so important (Proverbs 4:23).
As we continue, we read where David was careful about what type of people he kept company with. Some might feel that this was being judgmental, however all throughout Scripture we read how important it is for believers to be careful about who their friends and associates are, as sinful companions can so quickly lead us into sin (Proverbs 1:10-16). David said that he would not keep anyone whose heart was wicked, perverse, or twisted around him, nor would he abide with anyone who slandered or spoke evil against others, or who was proud, haughty, or arrogant (vs. 4-5). David wanted to stop the slanderer from carrying out his smear-campaign against other people. He would not tolerate back-stabbing in his presence. We should never try to advance our position by tearing someone else down.
He continued by saying he would not keep company with deceivers and liars (vs. 7). As king, it was his duty to see that his royal court and the nobility of the land lived good and moral lives by removing sinful people who would drag the moral standards of the country down (vs. 8). When the head is morally healthy the rest of the body is more likely to follow suit. Instead of sinful people, David chose to keep company with other godly believers (vs. 6). Even though it is very hard to find faithfulness in people, and strength of character is rare, those were the ones David chose for companions.
This psalm explains David’s philosophy of life, and is a statement of his faith. Throughout the psalm we read of his resolution to do what is right, and get rid of the evil. He continually stated “I will” and “I shall”. He was determined and showed strong strength of character. In closing, we see that David made the choice that Joshua challenged the people of Israel to make centuries earlier (Joshua 24:15), and that is to choose to serve and follow the Lord. Will we do the same?
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