General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

WHOM GOD LOVES

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.” Psalm 1:1-3. GCB April 4, 1901, page 64.9

Whatever the Bible says, it says to us. For no one who ever lived was the Bible any more especially written than for the one who is reading this article. It would be just as true to read the word “boy” or “girl” into the place of “man.” “Happy is the boy that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.” What does this beautiful language really mean?—Well, in the first place, let us remember that it means me. I shall be blessed or happy if I do not do what is pointed out. One passage of Scripture tells us, “Blessed [happy] are they that do his commandments.” But here is happiness as the result of not doing certain things that are very contrary to the law of the Lord. GCB April 4, 1901, page 64.10

If you wish to be truly happy, do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly. Practically, that comes straight home to every boy and girl. With whom do you take counsel? To whom do you confide your plans and troubles? Whose plans and ways are you following? Are you influenced by chums and companions? If so, you are not blessed or happy. GCB April 4, 1901, page 64.11

Do not stand in the way of sinners. Do not spend your evenings on the street or your time in rude company. Do not go where sinful people love to go,—to the theater, to the card party, to the dance. Do not go where God is not honored. If you do these things, you can not be truly happy. GCB April 4, 1901, page 64.12

Do not sit in the seat of the scornful. That is frequently the back seat a church. Boys and girls who attend sacred services, and spend the time whispering, giggling, trading, writing notes, or in any other way slighting God’s word, are scorning the service of God, and insulting him. To sit with such is to be reckoned with them. No one can do so, and be blessed or happy. It is a good thing for boys and girls to sit with their parents in church. GCB April 4, 1901, page 64.13

Our associations generally determine our character. If one takes counsel with ungodly companions, stands or goes with sinful persons, or sits with those who do not reverence God, he is sure to become a godless, sinful scorner. G. C. T. GCB April 4, 1901, page 64.14