Psalm 28:3
3 Draw me not away [mashak] with the wicked [rasha`],
and with the workers [pa`al] of iniquity ['aven], which speak [dabar] peace [shalowm] to their neighbours [rea`],
but mischief [ra`] is in their hearts [lebab]. KJV-Interlinear
3 Do
not drag me away with the wicked And with those who work iniquity; Who speak
peace with their neighbors, While evil is in their hearts. NASB
The metaphor of, draw me
not away, is a prayer requesting that the individual will not be treated in the
same fashion as evil people will be treated.
Do not include me in with their number.
Do not include me in their judgments or punishments.
And even though there are
innumerable examples of evil people who seem nice or sincere or kindhearted on
the outside, their hearts on the inside
are evil.
Evil people are defined
by the content of their souls.
Bible doctrine in the
soul, determines the separation of the good from the bad.
There is no such thing as
a victimless crime, nor a victimless sin.
Any and all departures from Gods divine design, is evil by
definition. And if you believe that your
choice for something other than God intended, affects only you, then you are
greatly mistaken. For any decision,
action or even a thought that is in error, spiritually speaking, will sooner or
later have an impact or influence on how others may think, and thus misdirect
them into those same compromising ideas.
Social norms and
standards generally have the greatest influence and therefore the greatest
impact on society and subsequent generations.
The developmental direction of those same social standards sooner or
later determines the public standards for leadership or even entertainment.
And as goes the attitude
toward doctrine and truth, so goes the direction of society. And if society intertwines itself in false
concepts, then the punishments for those false standards likewise attach
themselves to society.
When society is saturated
with evil in whatever form, then the punishments likewise can saturate society
on a large scale. And when that occurs,
then everyone can be affected.
However, God hears the
prayers of those who are obedient to Him, and even though life may swirl out of
control around you, there is always that extra and unseen aid that comes to you
from heaven. This does not mean that you
will not be affected by the problems of the world, but it does mean that God will
bring you help in such a manner that is best for you and compatible with His
plan for you.
Simply avoid imitating
the thoughts and actions of others, and certainly avoid blaming or complaining.
Learn and know the signs
of the times as you would the seasons of the year, and be forewarned of
impending difficulties that can be drawn out over long periods of time in their
development and their duration, and adjust your life accordingly as best you
are able.
