David wrote the Psalm. It clearly says so in the Superscript, “A Psalm of David.”

And in this great Poem (inspired by the Holy Spirit) the King makes some strong resolutions. One of which is … “I will not know a wicked person.” Psalm 101:4, King James Version.

The verb “know” (in Hebrew “yada”) is wide ranging in meaning, in intensity as well. (In the Bible it is translated “to acknowledge” 6 times! Then it is “to consider” 6 more times!)

Plus … it can mean “to barely know as an acquaintance.” Yet it can also mean “to know closely, thoroughly, even intimately!”

Now that we have those verbal parameters in mind, we can better see the determination in David’s commitment here.

This is a classic example of Biblical “Separation.”

Like 2 Corinthians 6:17 … “Come out from among them, and be ye separate.” Yes, “I will not know a wicked person!”

Like “Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” Really meaning “I will not know a wicked person.”

Like Proverbs 4:14 … “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.” Which is essentially saying “I will not know a wicked person!”

Amen, and a hundred other Texts could be cited.

But … if I will not fellowship with a wicked person … what (whom) will I put in his or her place? That “empty” spot in my life?

David, still in Psalm 101, answers that question too. “Mine eyes shall be upon the FAITHFUL of the land, that they may dwell with me.”

Spurn intimacy with the wicked, cling to the righteous, the faithful, the godly people the Lord brings into your life.

Sounds like mighty good advice to me!

In fact, it is the beginning of a much healthier lifestyle … spiritually speaking. Counsel well worth heeding!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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