I do not sit with the deceitful,
nor do I associate with hypocrites.
I abhor the assembly of evildoers
and refuse to sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, Lord,
proclaiming aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 26:4-7

David seems to go between what he knows is the wrong things to do and the right things. Obviously David cannot remove himself from the “real world” and neither can we. We all have to deal with deceitful, wicked, and hypocritical people. If we are to survive in the world, there’s just no getting around that fact.

Over the past month I’ve heard this twice from two different people: you are the average of the five people you hang around with. So, if you’re constantly hanging around liars and gossips and unpleasant people, unfortunately you’re going to become like them.

If, on the other hand, you’re hanging around with fun, happy people, you will also be like them.

The point of these verses isn’t perfection or removing ourselves from worldly people and influences, for if it were, all of us would fall short. It has more to do with the associations we keep over the long term.

Likewise, we have opportunities daily to influence others and to raise the “average” in their lives.