Topical Bible: The Blessed: Who Avoid the Wicked

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The concept of the blessed who avoid the wicked is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing the importance of righteous living and the avoidance of sinful influences. This theme is prominently introduced in the Psalms and is echoed throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the distinction between the righteous and the wicked.

Psalm 1:1-3 serves as a foundational text for understanding this concept: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does." This passage outlines the characteristics of the blessed individual, who consciously chooses to avoid the influence and company of those who engage in wickedness.

The blessed are described as those who do not "walk in the counsel of the wicked," indicating a rejection of ungodly advice and a refusal to adopt the values and practices of those who oppose God's ways. This separation from the wicked is not merely physical but also spiritual and moral, as the blessed person seeks to align their life with God's commandments.

The avoidance of the "path of sinners" suggests a deliberate choice to steer clear of environments and situations that may lead to temptation or moral compromise. The blessed are vigilant in their conduct, ensuring that their actions reflect their commitment to holiness and righteousness.

Furthermore, the blessed do not "sit in the seat of mockers," which implies a rejection of attitudes and behaviors that scorn or ridicule the things of God. Instead, the blessed find their joy and satisfaction in the "law of the LORD," meditating on it continually. This meditation is not a passive activity but an active engagement with God's Word, allowing it to shape their thoughts, actions, and character.

The imagery of a tree planted by streams of water illustrates the stability, nourishment, and fruitfulness that come from a life rooted in God's Word. The blessed are depicted as thriving and prosperous, not necessarily in material terms, but in spiritual vitality and effectiveness.

The theme of avoiding the wicked is further reinforced in the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This admonition underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with those who encourage and uphold godly values.

In the broader biblical narrative, the blessed who avoid the wicked are often contrasted with the fate of the wicked themselves. Psalm 1:4-6 continues, "Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." This contrast serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate consequences of one's choices and associations.

The call to avoid the wicked is not an invitation to isolation but a directive to pursue holiness and righteousness actively. The blessed are those who, through their choices and associations, demonstrate a commitment to living in accordance with God's will, thereby experiencing His favor and protection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Ending of the Book Brings an Exhortation to Avoid Ill-Will...
... 152. My sons, avoid wicked men, guard against the envious ... a wicked and an envious
man: the wicked man is ... is sweeter than charity, nothing more blessed than peace ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxx the ending of.htm

Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm.
... Christians does far more harm than that of the openly wicked. ... the things which are
avoided by the truly blessed man. ... the losses of those who fail to avoid them ...
/.../taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed prosperity meditations on the.htm

Avoid Words of Contention and Causes of Animosity: Flee Also from ...
... Avoid words of contention and causes of animosity: flee ... Blessed, assuredly, are the
lips, which never utter what ... to the condemnation of such as are wicked. ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xvii avoid words of.htm

Commandments to Women.
... For a religious wife is blessed. ... For although thou dost not these wicked things with
design of sinning ... and as not having taken care both to avoid sin thyself ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii commandments to women.htm

Whether Temporal Goods Should be Foregone on Account of Scandal?
... forego other temporal goods in order to avoid scandal ... On the contrary, Blessed Thomas
of Canterbury demanded the ... common good, since it would give wicked men an ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether temporal goods should be.htm

That we are to Live with the Good, but to Avoid the Evil.
... we are to live with the good, but to avoid the evil. ... fear." [4576] Also in the same
place: "Blessed is he ... ears with thorns, and hear not a wicked tongue." [4578 ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/95 that we are to.htm

The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile ...
... and understanding, and suffers not the wicked spirit to ... Wherefore, beloved, avoid
and eschew such observations, for ... male and female; and He blessed them, and ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v the teaching of the.htm

That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ...
... On this account he left the wicked in the midst ... beloved, reap the utmost gain, and
avoid the imitation ... the common theatre of the world that blessed and noble ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii that evil comes.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... most free for the mind and conscience to avoid and pass ... approve all their resolutions,
and to the wicked, "thou art ... you are the honest men, the blessed of the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

The Two Paths
... a young man to be safe from them,"'avoid, pass not by ... 17 seems simply to mean that
the wicked men's living ... Blessed they who in the morning of their days begin ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the two paths.htm