Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
Proverbs 24: 1 KJV
The grass is always greener…
Sometimes the lifestyles of the people on the not so straight and narrow path can look quite inviting. And they can definitely look a lot easier! There’s no more fighting with temptations if you quit caring who you hurt.
But that’s the thing. Evil men (selfish men) hurt other people. And sometimes evil men can play themselves off as your friends. And if you’re around them enough you may learn to accept their behavior. And if you accept evil and are willing to hang out with people that don’t act properly then you are actually promoting evil.
They’ve been rewarded with your friendship regardless of how they behave.
I know a girl who has a story perfectly fitting for an example.
One of her best guy friends had an ongoing relationship with a woman that was married. And that made me cringe.
Stealing someone’s wife is one of the lowest forms of behavior that I can imagine. And to sit there and say, “He’s nice around me.” And forget about how that guy is willing to help destroy someone else’s marriage is beyond me.
People behaving like that need to be ostracized not supported.
Now I’m of the belief that if people are able to offer good examples with their lifestyles and philosophies then it is imperative for them to do so. But to consistently spend time with a person that you’re not rubbing off on, then they might be rubbing off on you.
So if you are the company you keep…
Then make sure you’re keeping company with the right people.
Quality people are out there. Sometimes you just have to look carefully.
kenneth w.
