Beware of Unholy Companionships
J. Hampden Lee. Hosea 4:17 Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone. These words do not mean that nothing was to be done for Ephraim. The prophets again and again pleaded with that people. "O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in Me is thy help." Our text is addressed to Judah. "Let Ephraim alone." The best thing to do is not to associate with that people, keep clear of them, let them alone. I. THIS APPLIES TO COMPANIONSHIP. If you want to keep your own life pure, be careful with whom you associate. Ephraim was more prosperous and wealthy, and consequently Judah might be allured and led to offend (ver. 15). We are influenced by those with whom we keep company. You may think you are strong enough to stand against the insidious influence of the world, but it touches you before you are aware. If Judah associates with Ephraim, the contact must .prove baneful, and Judah will become corrupt. "Come out from among them, and be ye separate." II. IT APPLIES ALSO TO PLACES WE VISIT AND FREQUENT. "Come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Beth-aven." There sacrifices were offered to Baal, and the golden calf adored. Are there not Beth-avens (house of vanity) which we had better avoid? (J. Hampden Lee.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone. WEB: Ephraim is joined to idols. Leave him alone!