"I will not know wickedness." v. 4b
The rest of the Psalm seems to hinge on this line.
Again, the word 'know'. Yesterday, in Psalm 100, the key line was about 'knowing' God. To know Him means more than intellectual consent; it means relationship.....embracing His character and making His precepts the foundation of daily life.
The statement here, "I will not know wickedness," speaks the same concept, from a negative standpoint. Truly knowing God means determining to not know sin. And the word 'know', again, means more than an intellectual, verbal, lip service against sin. David means that he will not be well acquainted with it, make it his friend, dwell with it, accept it, or condone it. He will not incorporate anything that opposes God's will in his own life, or in those around him, or in his realm of rule. He will NOT be intimate with wickedness, either personally, socially, or politically.
The goal? that both he and his subjects live blamelessly before God.
reading that.......I am feeling rather small. Have I made such a declaration?.....out loud....for all to hear......and to see if I make it or not? Have I even made such a determination in my heart and mind? I have to admit not so enthusiastically.....for I know my failures. The sin of pride, arrogance, indifference, gossip, slander, etc, plague me at the drop of a hat. And sometimes, it isn't even a plague to me. Just every day stuff. Yep......it makes me feel small and like a failure.
But I have to take a second look.
Was David successful in his goal to live blamelessly? Did he succeed?
We know from Scripture that David fell......many times....and at times in ways that I haven't and probably never will. But.....sin is sin.....and it all breaks God's heart.
So, should this realization that David wasn't entirely successful cause me to look warily on his desire to live a holy life, or on God's dealing with him?
No! David's live is a picture of what God requires of us......a heart broken with the knowledge that we have displeased a holy God. (Is 66:2, Ps 51:17) A heart that realizes its sin against a holy God, and cries out to Him for forgiveness and mercy. Over and over in the stories of the Old Testament and in the Psalms we read of David (in particular) confessing his sin and utter dependence on God, which he can do because he knows God. And God is rich in forgiveness, love and mercy.
I am encouraged. Even though I still hesitate to make such a strong declaration, knowing that I will fail, I am helped by viewing David's life and practice. The more I know Him, the more I know my sin, and the more I know my need for His great love and mercy.
And one more note........it is important to realize that David not only determined to keep himself upright and holy, but those around him, and in extended circles. We would do well to pay attention. Who do we 'hang' with? What do we watch?
But....take care that we not turn our judgmental 'holiness' eyes only outwardly, but keep watch inwardly also.
This quote came across my facebook page today......I thought it appropriate:
"Today we find a limitless capacity to raise the question of evil as we see it outside ourselves, but often hold an equal unwillingness to address the evil within us."
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