The Company You Keep

The Company You Keep (Psalm 119:63)

Psalm 119:63, I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

David made a wise decision. He abandoned the workers of iniquity and associated with them that feared the Lord. He pledged that he would be a friend to anyone who feared and obeyed the Lord. Perhaps some of God’s faithful people were standing by him as he endured intense persecution. Knowing in his heart that his enemies could easily turn on other followers, he promised his loyalty and support to all fellow believers who kept God’s laws.

David here describes his associations. It was with those who feared God and were obedient to His Word. That lesson remains particularly true for this day. Our associates and friends ought to be those who fear God and are completely obedient to His Word. If we choose companions that fear God and keep His precepts, then we will have true friends. Two people that are close to God will draw near to each other. Your friends will be those whom you have things in common. Be a spiritual Christian and you will have spiritual companions. The Bible puts it best in Proverbs 18:24, A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

David’s companions manifested the kind of faith he possessed. Trials and persecution should strengthen our decision to remain obedient to God, to stand fast in our faith. As believers in today’s world, we are facing increasing pressure to back down from our faith in Christ and our faithfulness to God’s inspired Word. So, while the world turns further away from the truths of Scripture, and while hostile governments, religious fanatics, and godless societies continue to rise, we must determine to stand fast for our Lord and His holy Word. It was David’s desire to be united and in fellowship with those who loved the Lord and His Word. It was his goal to live in such a way that those who loved and feared God would want to fellowship with him. May the Lord help us to live in such a way that our life is a source of strength, blessing, and encouragement to others to live for Christ. We are greatly influenced by our friends and companions. Companion here is one that is an associate, or one knit together. Two requirements for those we associate with are that they fear God and keep His commandments.

1. The Selection of Friends “I am a companion of all them...”
Those words reflect a choice. Your companions are those you choose. You must determine in your heart to keep good company. Good company does not come by accident; we must pray, seeking the Lord for godly companions. You must choose godly company if you want good company. It is often said we will become like the books we read, the media we watch, and the friends we keep.

2. The Sorts of Friends “...that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.”
Those who have reverence and respect for God will be good company. Those who disrespect God, mock God, and criticize God are those you should stay away from in the company you keep. People that live by the Word of God are good people to associate with in fellowship. Godly people are good companions. A person who is evil is one you do not want to associate with in life. He will lead you down the wrong path, but Biblical friends will be there to hold you up when you stumble.

Proverbs 13:20, He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Looking at this verse, it is easy to see that if you hang around people who are wise when it comes to the Lord, then you will be wise as well. If you hang around people who witness, then you will witness as well. If you are around people who are taking a stand for Christ, it is going to help you take a stand. Proverbs 27:17, Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Jonathan was attempting to finish his project but struggling to complete it in time. Tom, a new neighbor, walked over and offered to help. Tom had a collection of nice tools and had everything needed for the job. When they finished the job, Jonathan was amazed at Tom’s collection of tools and asked him what he made with such tools. “Friends mostly,” Tom answered.

Questions to Consider:
Do you live your life in such a way that people know you are a Christian?
Do godly people feel comfortable around you because of your love for God?
Are you helping your friends grow closer to Christ?
Do your friends sharpen you spiritually or do they dull you?
Who are your friends?
Are they wise or foolish?

Points to Ponder:
We are to be careful about the company we keep.
Those you spend your time with will have an influence in your life.
When you find godly friends, they contribute to your life.
Ask Christ to help you draw your friends into a closer relationship with Him today.
Keeping God's Word will be easier if we have friends that want to keep it, too.
Choose companions that bring you closer to the Lord.

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for saving my soul and for Your gift of eternal life. You used a friend and a co-worker to lead me to You. You have given me a church family who loves You and prays fervently for me. You have given me my very best friend, my wife, who stands by my side faithfully and encourages me. May I serve You faithfully, in Jesus name, AMEN.

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