Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 28:3

"Draw me not away with the wicked, And with the workers of iniquity; That speak peace with their neighbors, But mischief is in their hearts." — Psalms 28:3 (ASV)

Draw me not away with the wicked - See the notes at (Psalms 26:9). The prayer here, as well as the prayer in (Psalms 26:9), expresses a strong desire not to be united with wicked people in feeling or in destiny—in life or in death, on earth or in the future world. The reason for the prayer seems to have been that the psalmist, being at this time under a strong temptation to associate with wicked persons, and feeling the force of the temptation, was apprehensive that he might be left to yield to it and become associated with them.

Deeply conscious of this danger, he earnestly prays that he might not be left to yield to the power of the temptation and fall into sin. So the Savior (Matthew 6:13) has taught us to pray, And lead us not into temptation.

None who desire to serve God can fail to see the appropriateness of this prayer. The temptations of the world are so strong; the amusements in which the world indulges are so brilliant and fascinating; those who invite us to partake of their pleasures are often so elevated in their social position, so refined in their manners, and so cultivated by education; the propensities of our hearts for such indulgences are so strong by nature; habits formed before our conversion are still so powerful; and the prospect of worldly advantages from compliance with the customs of those around us is often so great—that we cannot but feel it is proper for us to go to the throne of grace and plead earnestly with God that he will keep us and not allow us to fall into the snare.

This is especially true of those who, before they were converted, had indulged in habits of intemperance or in sensual pleasures of any kind, and who are invited by their old companions in sin to unite with them again in their pursuits. Here all the power of the former habit returns; here often there is a most fierce struggle between conscience and the old habit for victory; here especially those who are thus tempted need the grace of God to keep them; here there is special appropriateness in the prayer, Draw me not away with the wicked.

And with the workers of iniquity - In any form. With those who do evil.

Which speak peace to their neighbours - Who speak words of friendliness. Who seem to be persuading you to do what is for your good. Who put on plausible pretexts. They appear to be your friends; they profess to be so. They use flattering words while they tempt you to go astray.

But mischief is in their hearts - They are secretly plotting your ruin. They wish to lead you into such courses of life so that you may fall into sin, that you may dishonor religion, that you may disgrace your profession, or that they may in some way profit by your compliance with their counsel. So the wicked, under plausible pretences, would allure the good; so the corrupt would seduce the innocent; so the enemies of God would entice his friends, that they may bring shame and reproach upon the cause of religion.