Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. Psalms 1:1 (NLT)
My dad used to always say, “Don’t hang around the peanut gallery.” This same wise advice is shared repeatedly throughout the Bible. (Proverbs 13:20, 1 Corinthians 15:33.)
Those who focus on criticism and gossip aren’t headed for the amazing life that’s available to us as believers in Christ (Colossians 1:26–27). Since their attitudes will begin to cloud your perspective, choose instead to surround yourself with people who know God, understand His Word and model active faith through their actions.
By hanging around believers who are alive in their faith and actively pursuing their relationship with God, you’ll see it’s possible to enjoy a life that’s rich in all areas. I don’t mean a self-serving, all-about-me life. But one that’s filled with adventure as you serve God—a life that’s focused on something beyond just your own fulfillment, and that knows His presence, peace and joy.
Psalms 1:1–3 notes that carefully choosing our friends and meditating on God’s Word brings joy! It says we’ll stand firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss…never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous (TPT).
You see, there’s a sweet satisfaction to living life rooted in God’s Word, following His advice and keeping wisely chosen company (Proverbs 27:17). That’s because the more you get to know God and apply His wisdom to your every day life, the less appealing that negative focus becomes!