Pondering on Psalm 28:3

Pondering on Psalm 28:3.

In recent weeks, my attention comes time and time again to Psalm 28:3

“Do not drag me away with the wicked,
with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their neighbors
but harbor malice in their hearts.”

The psalmist does not want the same judgment as those who are “wicked”.  Wicked is also translated as “ungodly”.  The word basically describes people who are not members of the covenant, not believers and therefore ungodly.  It is not the request not to be dragged away with the wicked but rather the example of ungodly behavior that has caught my attention.

I wonder, how many times do believers act as if we were ungodly?

Barnabas, and my interactions with him, provides such material for my faith lessons.  Here is no exception. .  At least once a week one can overhear me as I discipline Barnabas (as if he REALLY understands).  When he acts rude such as when he is overly excited to greet someone: “Barnabas!!!!!! That is rude!  Don’t be rude!  YOU are NOT a rude dog so PLEASE stop acting like one!!!”

How many times do we act as if we are ungodly?  We are not because we have a relationship with Jesus Christ but are when we act as if we do not.

Are there times when we will be cordial to others, but harbor malice toward them in our hearts?

In his commentary on the Psalms, Allen P Ross writes:

“They are evil-doers” (doers or practitioners of evil).  This description could fit almost any enemies of the faith: here their evil is not the open antagonism of enemy nations, but of people known to the psalmist who proved to be hypocrites.  They characteristically speak peace to their neighbors but evil is in their heart.  They speak as if they wish people well, all the while planning to do something that will harm them, either with a deliberate plot to destroy them or with a plan for their own benefit at the expense of the righteous.”

Unfortunately, there are far too many occasions when followers of Christ have been practitioners of this ungodly behavior.  Often times we think that we are exhibiting “righteousness” and “honoring” God. 

May we stop acting like the ungodly because we are NOT ungodly.  May God lead us into HIS ways, avoiding the ways of the wicked and their judgment. He knows the thoughts and motives in our heart.  May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to Him.