Psalms 28:3
Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.
Psalms 28:3
In this verse, the psalmist prays for separation from the wicked: “Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.” This exposes a social and moral danger: being drawn into associations with those whose lives are characterized by deceit and violence. The phrase “speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts” highlights the duplicity of some who present a peaceful exterior while plotting wrongdoing inwardly. It reflects a common biblical concern about the influence of the wicked on the righteous—temptation to compromise, to blend in, or to lose integrity under pressure. The context includes communal life, social networks, and the temptations to compromise faith in order to gain security or advantage. The psalmist’s plea is for moral and spiritual guardrails, a plea for choosing righteous companionship over corrosive influence.
Theologically, the verse underscores holiness and discernment as essential aspects of faith. It portrays life as a pilgrimage in which community matters; who we ally with shapes our souls. The contrast between outward peace and inward mischief reveals a central biblical concern: true peace and integrity emanate from alignment with God’s ways, not from outward appearances. It also anticipates Jesus’ warnings about being “in the world but not of it” and about the danger of corrupt influences in community life. The psalmist’s request sets a trajectory toward reliance on God for moral discernment and protection.
In practical terms, audit your associations and trusted circles. If you notice patterns of masked hostility, deceit, or manipulation among friends or colleagues, consider drawing boundaries: seek relationships that reflect honesty, generosity, and accountability. This could mean choosing to spend more time with mentors who model integrity, or initiating candid conversations about values and truth-telling. It’s also wise to cultivate community where people can confess sin, receive correction, and pursue reconciliation. Guardrails might include prayerful accountability, transparency about finances and decisions, and humility in leadership roles. The verse challenges us to align our inner motives with outward actions, ensuring our peace isn’t bought at the expense of others’ harm.
Cross-References: Psalm 1:1-2; Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Titus 3:10