Comment: David, the Sweet Psalmist of Israel begins the Psalms extolling the blessedness and joy of obeying God’s commandments.  Our friends and associates can have profound influence on us, often in very subtle ways, particularly when we walk by the advice they offer.

The true worshipper of God should stay away from the ungodly. He should not associate with those that sit in close league to blaspheme or desecrate holy things or do things to foster the evil works of the devil.  If we insist on friendship with those who mock or ridicule spiritual matters, we might fall into sin by becoming indifferent to godly principles. A child of God should avoid the friendship and companionship of people of questionable character.  He should avoid being in their midst in order not to be corrupted or misled.  He should always remember the lessons of his strict up-bringing in the Lord.  True friends should help rather than hinder the spiritual well-being of his contemporary.  The word of God says: “Two are better than one… For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow…” (Ecclesiastes 4:9,10).  Those who diligently try to obey God’s laws are blessed; their happy condition is like healthy, fruit-bearing trees with strong roots (Jeremiah 17:5-8).  In contrast, those who refuse to walk in the law of God have meaningless lives that blow away like dust or chaff. – Psalm 1:2-6.