Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful… Psalm 1:1 (NKJV)
The Amplified Classic translation describes blessed as “happy, fortunate, prosperous and enviable.” And who is blessed? It’s someone who doesn’t keep company with ungodly, sinful or scornful people. That means the people you’re hanging with can affect the blessings in your life. For example, you can lose your passion for your spouse by listening to someone who has a scornful attitude toward marriage.
Now, who falls into the “ungodly” category? We immediately think it’s unbelievers, but not all believers follow God’s ways. They place their kids’ happiness, their marriage or their finances ahead of seeking His Kingdom. Those areas are all critical, but if you rank them above God’s purposes, then the world’s objectives begin dominating your life.
As born-again believers, we are to have Kingdom-centred goals and values. Don’t let the wrong friends suck you into following their messed-up priorities.
Next, today’s verse talks about standing in the path of sinners. When around sinful people, they should look at your life and crave what you have, not the other way around.
Finally, today’s verse mentions the scornful. Even some believers walk around with a negative attitude. Their disrespect and sarcasm can be contagious, so we need to guard our hearts.
Spiritual maturity brings wisdom, and this one simple verse carries profound insight: hanging out with the right kind of people will bless you. Is the company you keep affecting you for better or for worse?