Psalm 26:5

I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked.

Study Bible

I hate the mob of evildoers
The psalmist expresses a strong aversion to those who engage in evil deeds. This sentiment reflects a deep commitment to righteousness and a desire to distance oneself from sin. The term "mob" suggests a collective group, indicating that evil often thrives in community, where individuals may feel emboldened by numbers. This aligns with biblical teachings that warn against the influence of corrupt company (1 Corinthians 15:33). The psalmist's hatred is not personal animosity but a righteous indignation against sin, echoing God's own disdain for wickedness (Proverbs 6:16-19). This phrase also highlights the importance of discernment in choosing one's associations, as seen in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament.

and refuse to sit with the wicked
The act of sitting implies fellowship and agreement, suggesting that the psalmist deliberately avoids forming alliances or friendships with those who practice wickedness. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal or sitting together was a sign of acceptance and partnership. By refusing to sit with the wicked, the psalmist demonstrates a commitment to purity and holiness, aligning with the call to be separate from sin (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). This decision reflects the broader biblical theme of being in the world but not of it (John 17:14-16). The psalmist's stance is a precursor to the teachings of Jesus, who, while associating with sinners to bring them to repentance, never condoned their sin (Luke 5:32). This phrase underscores the importance of maintaining one's integrity and moral standards in the face of societal pressures.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of this Psalm, King David, is expressing his commitment to righteousness and his disdain for wickedness.

2. Assembly of Evildoers
This refers to groups or gatherings of people who engage in sinful or immoral activities.

3. The Wicked
Individuals who live in opposition to God's laws and principles.

4. Temple Worship
The context of the Psalm suggests a setting of worship and purity, contrasting with the assembly of evildoers.

5. Israel
The nation to whom the Psalm was originally addressed, emphasizing the importance of communal holiness.

Teaching Points

Commitment to Righteousness
As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, avoiding associations that could lead us astray.

Discernment in Relationships
We must be discerning about the company we keep, ensuring that our relationships encourage us in our faith.

Separation from Sin
While we are in the world, we are not of the world. We must actively choose to separate ourselves from sinful influences.

Influence and Witness
Our refusal to participate in wickedness serves as a testimony to others about the transformative power of a life dedicated to God.

Community and Accountability
Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers provides strength and accountability in our walk with Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's refusal to sit with the wicked challenge us in our daily interactions and relationships?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of separation from evildoers in our modern context without becoming isolated from the world?

3. How do the additional scriptures reinforce the message of Psalm 26:5, and what practical steps can we take to live them out?

4. What are some potential consequences of associating with those who live in opposition to God's ways, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can we balance the call to be separate from the wicked with the Great Commission to reach out to the lost?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 1
This Psalm contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked, similar to David's refusal to associate with evildoers.

Proverbs 4:14-15
Advises avoiding the path of the wicked, aligning with David's commitment to not sit with them.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17
Paul speaks about not being unequally yoked with unbelievers, echoing the separation from wickedness.

Ephesians 5:11
Encourages believers to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, reinforcing the theme of separation from evil.

James 4:4
Warns against friendship with the world, which is enmity with God, similar to David's stance against the wicked.