"Wisdom Cries Out"
Walk With the Wise
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13.20)
You learn a lot about someone by the company they keep. We are not only influenced by those with whom we spend time— we become like them. Someone has said, “You’re the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” When you consider the people you spend the most time with, what kind of person are you becoming?
We know that “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15.33), but sometimes we are short-sighted and thoughtless with our choice in companions. We often develop connections with people simply because of our proximity to them (i.e. at work or school). These unintentional relationships will impact our way of life more than we realize.
We can’t always control who we are around, but this verse emphasizes that wise relationships are a choice. In order to become wise, you must consider what a wise person looks like, seek them out and “walk” with them.
“Walking” implies intentional actions towards something. Wise relationships will get you somewhere on purpose. This principle applies to in-person relationships, as well as other sources we allow to influence our way of life (i.e. news media, social media, podcasts, books, etc.)
Where do you want your life to go? What sort of person do you want to become?
Faith is about long-term thinking and goal-focused living. The people you spend time with will influence you towards good or evil. You need to be picky with whom (and what) you choose to associate. Are those you spend the most time with helping you become more wise and holy?
“Do not be deceived; bad company ruins good morals” (1 Corinthians 15.33)
