Psalm 119:113-128

Samekh
113 I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions.
114 You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.
115 Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
116 Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed.
117 Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees.
118 But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves.
119 You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws!
120 I tremble in fear of you; I stand in awe of your regulations.
Ayin
121 Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies, for I have done what is just and right.
122 Please guarantee a blessing for me. Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!
123 My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.
124 I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love, and teach me your decrees.
125 Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws.
126 Lord, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have violated your instructions.
127 Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold.
128 Each of your commandments is right. That is why I hate every false way.

Laura Ingraham calls them "But Monkeys." They're the people that drive us crazy. They say "I agree with you...but!" or "I like that...but!" There really isn't any "but" to it. Either you like something or you don't.
Our psalmist doesn't like "but monkeys" either. He says "I hate those with divided loyalties."
As I read this portion of the psalm I think I know why. David was fully devoted to God's Word. He said "I love your instructions. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope." It appears David understood that people with divided loyalties had an affect on him. The more he was surrounded by them, the more difficult it was for him to devote himself to the Lord. He says "Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God."
Very unlike today's believers. We try to look and act as much like the world as possible and still go to heaven. It might go a great distance in helping us understand why our love for the Lord and our work for the Lord has fallen on dismal times. David implies that it's mostly because we surround ourselves with "but monkeys."
"I love God...but that doesn't mean I have to go to church all the time."
"I love God...but that doesn't mean I have to be a prude!"
"I love God...but I'm only human!"
I'm not wondering if you're a "but monkey." I'm wondering if your friends are. David wouldn't have anything to do with them. They make following God too difficult. He says "Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws." It's virtually impossible without God's help anyway. How much more difficult will it be if we have a bunch of friends following us around saying "I really respect your commitment...but..."
"That is why I hate every false way." How about you?
Live boldly out there today...