King David experienced plenty of heinous people and nasty situations. As these turned his stomach, he stepped away again and again. Later in life he wrote:

I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.

Today it’s easy to take in loads of vile. Foul ideas constantly present themselves. With the world wide web in full bloom, a 24/7 news cycle, and endless entertainment options, vile ain’t hard to find.

But I don’t have to participate. I can refuse to give even grudging acknowledge or implied approval to what the Scriptures consider repugnant, shameful, or dishonorable. I might not be able to stop it, but I can turn my back and move in healthier directions.

Psalm 101 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Asterfolio