HIGHLIGHT
Psalm 120:6–7 (ESV): 6 Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. 7 I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!
EXPLAIN
This psalm is curious, almost overshadowed by the juggernaut of Psalm 119, which expresses love for God’s Word over and over again.
In this song, the psalmist is distressed because he is surrounded by people who are dishonest. One can surmise that he regularly rubbed shoulders with people who gossiped and slandered one another.
In the final two verses, the psalmist recognizes his problem. He has lived among people for too long who are constantly bickering and fighting one another. Now, when he tries to make peace, they drown him out with shouts for war.
APPLY
The lesson of this scripture is not unique, but it is important: the kind of people we associate with regularly affects us emotionally, spiritually, etc.
If you want to be a person who is patient, kind, and easy to get along with, it helps to surround yourself with humble, forgiving, encouraging folk.
On the other hand, if you spend much of your time with people who criticize others, speak negatively about anything and everything, and are easily irritated by both real and perceived wrongs, don’t be surprised if you become an angry and irritable person also.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, please help me to have a spirit that exudes Christlike patience, peace, love, and forgiveness. Help me to be wise in who I allow to influence my life. May they be people who build up others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.