Avoid Evil Like the Plague

January 4 2016

Avoid evil people like the plague

Proverbs 4:14-16

14 Do not enter the path of the wicked,

And do not go the way of evil men.

15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;

Turn away from it and pass on.

16 For the wicked cannot sleep unless they do evil;

And they are deprived of sleep unless they make someone stumble and fall.

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary

Verses 14-27 The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there they shall shine as the sun in his strength. The way of sin is as darkness. The way of the wicked is dark, therefore dangerous; they fall into sin, but know not how to avoid it. They fall into trouble, but never seek to know wherefore God contends with them, nor what will be in the end of it. This is the way we are bid to shun. Attentive hearing the word of God, is a good sign of a work of grace begun in the heart, and a good means of carrying it on. There is in the word of God a proper remedy for all diseases of the soul. Keep thy heart with all diligence. We must set a strict guard upon our souls; keep our hearts from doing hurt, and getting hurt. A good reason is given; because out of it are the issues of life. Above all, we should seek from the Lord Jesus that living water, the sanctifying Spirit, issuing forth unto everlasting life. Thus we shall be enabled to put away a froward mouth and perverse lips; our eyes will be turned from beholding vanity, looking straight forward, and walking by the rule of God's word, treading in the steps of our Lord and Master. Lord, forgive the past, and enable us to follow thee more closely for the time to come.

Miyagi’s commentary:

The Word tells us in 1 Cor 15:33 “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’ ”  It is obvious that we are never to associate with gangsters, criminals, and violent people.  But what is not so obvious is the wolves in sheep’s clothing.  These are the one who have found their way into the church.  They have a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.  They come across as those  doing good works in the name of Christianity, but they, in reality, have a self-serving agenda.  They are the false teachers and the false prophets.  They twist the Word of God to justify their actions.  They use God and the church for selfish gain.  They use it to manipulate and control others for selfish gain.  These are the wicked ones that we really need to watch out for.  They are the angels of light.

2 Cor 11:14 says “....since Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”  Those who come into the church to spread false doctrine do so with the intent to destroy.  They are not there to build up the Body, but to tear down.  They are on the same side as satan.  

We are directed to not have fellowship with darkness.  But He may lead us to invade their stronghold and to set the captives free.  

The analogy here is rat poison.  Rat poison is 99% rat food and 1% poison.  It looks like rat food, smells like rat food and taste like rat food to the rats.  But it is the 1% poison that will kill the rats.  It is very subtle.  It is not easily detected, much like the poisonous doctrine from the false teachers and false prophets.  If we associate with them, their 1% poisonous doctrine will kill us if we accepted it as the gospel truth.

This is the main reason that denominational dogma must be tested, and if required, challenged that they may be held accountable to prove their theology.  So for example, if someone says “this is not the right way to do something, let me show you the way,” but he is unable to back up their statement with Scripture, he is to be avoided like the plague.

Summary conclusion:

The Bible urges us to test the spirits, to know if they are of God or of the devil.  So before you jump into a friendship with someone, exercise discernment to avoid the pitfalls of the enemy.

Psalm 1:1

Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example],

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers).

Matthew Henry Concise commentary

Verses 1-3 To meditate in God's word, is to discourse with ourselves concerning the great things contained in it, with close application of mind and fixedness of thought. We must have constant regard to the word of God, as the rule of our actions, and the spring of our comforts; and have it in our thoughts night and day. For this purpose no time is amiss.

Miyagi’s commentary

So here in Psalm 1, we are being cautioned against taking counsel from the wicked, being in the path of sinners and sitting with scoffers.  God is saying to stay away from the wicked, far far away.  They are headed for eternal destruction and they want to take others with them.  So the wise thing to do is to avoid them like the plague.  And if we do this, we are favored by God as per Psalm 1:1.

Summary conclusion:

God commands us to avoid evil.  The only time we are to be found in their company is if the Lord tells us to invade these strongholds and to expose darkness.  Otherwise, we fall into the trap, thinking that we will be the savior for the wicked.  Without God’s anointing to cast out demons and heal the sick, we are out of order if we keep company with them.   

The big picture:

If you hang with the wicked, evil people long enough  You will eventually believe their lies.  That is why the word says “bad company corrupts good moral.”  Staying away from them and staying with God will keep us safe from harm.     

The byword:

It is far better to have no company than to have bad company.

Miyagi