One of the grave dangers of evil is its powerful influence to subtly weaken and ultimately destroy good. This spiritual cancer is aggressive and relentless. Because of this, Solomon wrote, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26).
In Psalm 101, David gives a pretty handy list of people to avoid and embrace in friendship. He writes: “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; the one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, him I will not endure. My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land that they may dwell with me; he who walks in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; he who tells lies shall not continue in my presence. Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land that I may cut off all the evildoers from the city of the Lord.”
Note carefully those people whom he seeks to avoid—slanderers, the haughty, the proud, the deceitful, liars, the wicked, and evildoers.
Consider thoughtfully those he seeks to embrace—the faithful and the blameless. Friendship with people who have integrity, honesty, humility, and goodness is imperative.
Choose your friends carefully.
