Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on. (Proverbs 4:14-15)

We are surrounded by the evils of this world. As we “live in the world” it is pretty much impossible to avoid seeing things we wish we didn’t see. I am reminded of the little Sunday School song we used to sing: “be careful little eyes what you see”.

It is impossible to avoid seeing things we wish we didn’t see.

Many, if not most of us, are not as diligent as we could and should be of the things we expose ourselves to. We can’t avoid every dark thing but Solomon teaches that there are some specific yet simple ways we can guard ourselves from much of the evil we see.

• Avoid wicked places
• Turn away from evil situations
• Separate yourself from wicked people

As you think about your typical day, how diligent are you in following the counsel of Solomon?

Why is it important to protect ourselves as much as possible? What we see becomes thoughts, what we think becomes words, what we say becomes actions, and if we aren’t on our guard, our actions become our habits. I like the way James explains it:

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:13-15)