“I will set no worthless or wicked thing before my eyes. I hate the practice of those who fall away [from the right path]; It will not grasp hold of me.” – Psalm 101:3, AMP

Years ago, I had a friend called Job, who would repeatedly use the term ‘sons of Belial’ to refer to people who do evil things.

In the Bible, the word ‘Belial’ is mentioned about 15 times in reference to the personification of evil or a demon associated with lawlessness and corruption.

In other words, the term ‘sons of Belial’ was associated with rebellion against God, idolatry, and other immoral acts – basically worthless or wicked individuals who embodied evil and wickedness.

In our meditation verse today, the term translated ‘worthless or wicked thing’ is ‘Belial.’

So, the verse can be paraphrased to say, “I will set no Belial before my eyes.”

Of course, David was familiar with the ‘sons of Belial.’

In 1 Samuel 30:22, we see David contending with the selfishness of “the wicked men and men of Belial” who were not willing to share the spoils captured from wars.  

David is making a determination that he would not look with approval on ‘Belial’ – anything that is worthless or wicked. He would contend with, challenge it and throw it out.

What we set before our eyes, what we look upon with approval – matters a lot.

In the Garden of Eden, the tempter used visual enticement to get Eve into trouble.

Genesis 3:6, says that Eve “saw” that the fruit was good for food, and specifically that it was a “delight to the eyes,” and she took it.

What we set before our eyes – what we look at with approval – does affect our morality.

In Matthew 6:22 Jesus said; “For the lamp of the body is the eye…if the eye is weak, the whole body will be full of darkness.” 

“Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Your ways.”

What you set in front of your eyes will determine what will influence you either into godliness or godlessness.  

We’re all old enough to know that, don’t we?

For example, our world view is usually influenced by what we set before our eyes – the literature we read, the visual content we consume on TV or what we watch on the internet.

Take pornography for an example.

The Greek word for ‘pornography’ is ‘pornographia,’ which means ‘writing of prostitutes.’

Indeed, it would take a ‘worthless and wicked’ person to undress and engage in sexual acts in front of cameras!

Relatedly, their content is worthless and wicked – not worthy of our precious time and resources.

We could be doing something more profitable instead – reading an educational book, praying, doing profitable work or spending time with your loved ones.

David adds; “I hate the practice of those who fall away [from the right path]; It will not grasp hold of me.”

That implies that there is a ‘grasp’ – an addiction – that can entrap and enslave!

In Psalm 119:37 the Psalmist prays: “Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Your ways.”

May we always be like David who recognized that what we choose to focus on can significantly impact our thoughts and actions.

It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of being intentional about keeping ‘Belial content’ away from our eyes in order to maintain spiritual and moral clarity both in our daily lives and for eternity.