Samekh: Pick Good Companions

To the obedient child of God, the commandments are a delight. . . . “Did the contempt shown to the law of God extinguish David’s loyalty? Hear his words. He calls upon God to interfere and vindicate his honor, to show that there is a God, that there are limits to His forbearance, that it is possible to so presume upon the mercy of God as to exhaust it. ‘It is time, O Lord, for thee to work,’ he says; ‘for they have made void thy law.’ “. . . Did the scorn and contempt cast upon the law lead him to cowardly refrain from making an effort to vindicate the law? On the contrary his reverence for the law of Jehovah increased as he saw the disregard and contempt shown for it by others.” David did not want to associate with those who would adversely affect his religious growth (Psalm 119:115).

If we surround ourselves with evil associations, their influence will cause us to seek their approval by lowering our personal standards of conduct.

When evil influences seek to entice us, our only refuge is in God.

“When the darts of the enemy are being hurled at us, we can turn them aside by the ‘shield of faith’ (Eph. 6:16). When we are afflicted by gloom and discouragement, we can always find hope in God’s Word.” David was unashamed of his hope (Psalm 119:116).

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5).

Others might ridicule David; therefore, he asked God to give him the courage to persevere (Psalm 119:117). David trusts the Righteous Judge to deal fairly with him, for he has done his best. “The dross and the precious metal are together now, but soon there will come a day of separation, when the Refiner will accomplish His work of purification (Mal. 3:3; cf. Matt. 13:30).” “Take the world, but give me Jesus; / All its joys are but a name, / But His love abideth ever, / Through eternal years the same.”