Psalms 119:63

I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts.

Good society

God has made man for society and society for man. The society, however, to which the text points is the society of the highest type, composed of those who fear God and keep His “precepts.”

I. This is the most honourable society. The only honourable society is the society of honourable men, and the only honourable men are those who fear God and keep His commandments.

II. This is the most happy society. All good men are happy.

III. This is the most growing society. It is large now, composed of an innumerable company of angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect; its numbers increase with every conversion. (Homilist)

The best company

I. The character of the people of God.

1. They fear Him. There is a twofold fear of God:--

(1) A servile fear.

(2) A filial fear: this is the fear intended in the text. This fear is promised (Jeremiah 32:40).

2. They keep God’s precepts.

(1) In purpose and resolution; they approve of them all (Psalms 119:117).

(2) In affection (Psalms 19:10; Psalms 119:77).

(3) They endeavour to observe them; and to observe them all (Psalms 119:1; Psalms 119:28).

II. What is implied in being a companion of those that fear God

1. A high esteem and affection for them (1 John 4:20; Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34; John 15:12).

2. A delight in communion with them (Psalms 16:3).

3. Joining with them in public worship (Psalms 42:1; Psalms 84:1).

4. A readiness to converse with them (Malachi 3:16; Psalms 15:4; Romans 1:12).

5. To sympathize with them (Romans 12:15; Revelation 1:9; Hebrews 10:33).

6. A readiness to do them good (Galatians 6:10; James 2:15; Matthew 25:34).

III. The obligations we are under to aspire after such a temper and behaviour.

1. The relation we profess to stand in to God. Children of one Father (1 John 3:1).

2. This temper and behaviour are represented as inseparably connected with true love to God Himself (1 John 3:14; 1 John 5:1).

3. Love to all who fear God is mentioned as the most essential and vital part of true religion (1 Corinthians 13:4; 1 Corinthians 13:13).

4. Jesus Christ, as our Redeemer, hath laid us under this obligation (Joh 13:34; 1 John 3:16; Galatians 2:20).

5. The utility or profit that resulteth from being a companion of those who fear God (Psalms 87:2). (T. Hannam.)

A proper choice of company recommended

I. Its influence on our principles. But if you mingle without caution with the men of the world; if you “come into their counsel,” and unite in their pursuits, you may expect in time to adopt their maxims, and to abandon your own.

II. Its influence on our conduct. It is dangerous to form an intimacy with those who despise the laws which ye wish to obey, and are addicted to the practices from which you ought to abstain. By degrees you will venture to copy their manners. But, on the contrary, while the companions of ungodly men are in danger of exhibiting in their own behaviour all the deceivableness of unrighteousness, those whose companions are chosen among the servants of the Lord make use of a powerful means of preserving and improving their virtue.

III. Its influence on our enjoyment. In the company of those who “fear God and keep His precepts,” your happiness will be promoted, whatever may be your rank and situation in life. The best affections of your hearts will be called forth into exercise; and an entertainment will be furnished, of which you may partake without degrading your character, and on which you may afterwards reflect without pain and remorse.

IV. Its tendency to prepare us for heaven. (John Johnstone.)

Advantages of good companionship

I would remind you that for climbers of the Alps the only way of safety is to fasten each other together with a rope, and for you, too, a great way of safety is to join yourself to some one else. Ask your companion if he will allow you to draw a little strength from him. He will most likely tell you in his next breath that that is just what he is wanting himself, and you two together will be stronger than if you had been alone. The young man who lives in lonely lodgings and never speaks to any one has a very poor chance of standing temptation. Christianity is a social thing; that is one reason why Christ instituted the Christian Church and the Sacraments, that there might be a bond of union between all His followers. (Henry Drummond.)