Title

Avoid All Wickedness

Scripture
As the proverb of the ancients says, "Wickedness proceeds from the wicked." But my hand shall not be against you.
(1 Samuel 24:13)
Devotional
Like all profound truths, the proverb David quoted to Saul was a simple truth. "Wickedness proceeds from the wicked." If we entertain wickedness it will attach itself to us and we will be wicked. Wickedness is defined as being evil by nature and in practice. Therefore we cannot hold on to it without becoming wicked ourselves; the same applies to bitterness, jealousy, envy wrath and the like. If we dwell on these, they will take hold of us. "For as we think in our hearts, so are we."[1] We will become the things on which we dwell. Whether wickedness is found in you or in another, it will proceed from its owner. Do you know a wicked person? Avoid them. "Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”[2] Therefore let us pray with the psalmist, “And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”[3]


[1] Proverbs 23:7
[2]
1 Corinthians 15:3 NIV
[3] Psalm 139:24