Psalms 26:5

⁴I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites. ⁵I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked. ⁶I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD,

Summary

In this verse, David expresses his refusal to associate with evildoers and hypocrites, declaring his intention to avoid the company of wicked individuals. He seeks to maintain his integrity and walk in righteousness before the Lord, distancing himself from those who practice deceit and evil. David's commitment to upholding God's ways serves as a model for believers to prioritize godly companionship and live a life of moral uprightness. This verse underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with those who encourage spiritual growth and adherence to God's principles.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

I have hated the congregation of evildoers,.... That do harm to the persons, characters, or properties of men; and who meet together in bodies, to consult and form schemes to do mischief, and have their assemblies to encourage each other in it; these, their works and actions, the psalmist hated, though not their persons; and showed his displicency at them, and dislike and disapprobation of them, by absenting from them; see Jer 15:17; and will not sit with the wicked; ungodly and unrighteous men, sons of Belial; for with such what fellowship and concord can there be? Co2 6:14; the word (x) signifies restless and uneasy persons, who cannot rest unless they do mischief; are like the troubled sea, continually casting up mire and dirt, Isa 57:20; now, by all this the psalmist means not that good men should have no manner of conversation with the men of the world: for then, as the apostle says, we must needs go out of the world, Co1 5:9. Conversation in civil things, in matters of trade and business, is lawful; though all unnecessary conversation in things of civil life is to be shunned; no more should be had than what natural relation and the business of life require; but all conversation in things criminal is to be avoided; company is not to be kept with them, so as to join them in anything sinful; this is to harden them in their evil ways, and it brings into danger and into disgrace: a man is known and is judged of by the company that he keeps; and evil communications corrupt good manners. (x) "significat inquietum esse, ceu patet ex", Isa. xlviii. 22. Gejerus.