WISE BEHAVIOUR

This psalm has an important lesson for us all. It expresses the intention of one who is determined to abstain from evil. Sin is contagious, a disease that will rapidly spread, and its infection will sadly defile and degrade. We notice that the wrongs to be avoided are clearly labelled. “Wicked thing”, v. 3; “A froward heart”, v. 4; slander and pride, v. 5; “deceit… lies”, v. 7. If we look at these carefully, we must recognize them as some of the evils in fife today. Perhaps we call them social evils—they are this and much worse.

The choice of association is obviously very important for the psalmist. From verse 1 it is clear that he felt indebted to the Lord for His mercy and justice. He could sing about these things. Blessings that brought joy were his. Yet how vital to notice that he linked blessing to behaviour; response to the Lord’s work for him must lead to regard the Lord’s will in his life; “I will behave myself wisely”. But one look at these verses, and we must realize that living for God in a godless environment demands that fife should be treated carefully. And there must be a sober commitment to good things, strengthened by a deliberate avoidance of evil. We must “Abstain from all appearance of evil”, 1 Thess. 5. 22; Psa. 1. 13. Contrast 2 Peter 2. 6-8.

It is interesting to relate this psalm to the life of David; three times we are told in 1 Samuel 18 that he “behaved himself wisely”, vv. 5, 14, 30. He had just received the expression of Jonathan’s love and the call to Saul’s service. Because of his victory over Goliath, he was very much in the public eye. How essential it was that the behaviour patterns of Israel’s future monarch should be without blame. So these activities and avoidances were essential to such a man. And as we examine the principles behind these verses, we realize that some of the foundation pillars of Christian morality are here.

Our society is corrupted today by easy-going ways of life that deny God’s principles of holiness. Let us ensure that we are in the right company, Psa. 119. 63, and that by avoiding the wrong values of life, we walk in ways that honour and glorify our Lord Jesus. “Be ye holy; for I am holy”, 1 Pet. 1. 15-16. Blamelessness is not sinlessness—but it is essential!