“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” - Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
Reflecting on my teens and early twenties, I appreciate the sageness of this Proverb. Not that I couldn’t get in trouble by myself, but most often, the unwise ideas that seemed brilliant were done in the company of others and usually fueled by alcohol. I am not blaming my behavior on my friends; I was a willing, sinfully dull-witted participant, but surrounded by others of like mind, my defenses were lowered further. However, my propensity for doing the sinfully stupid decreased markedly when I changed my friends.
My experience of being influenced by the company I kept is far from unique. Many of you may relate to the struggle of making poor decisions in the presence of certain friends, only to find that changing our social circle leads to better choices and a more positive path. This is a timeless issue, one that the Bible addresses repeatedly.
For instance, 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) warns, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” This verse echoes the sentiment that the people around us can significantly shape our actions and morals. Similarly, Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” highlighting the positive influence that wise and supportive friends can have on our growth.
The Bible is filled with examples of individuals whose lives were profoundly impacted by their companions. King David, for instance, experienced both the uplifting influence of Jonathan’s friendship and the destructive consequences of aligning with the wrong people. Psalm 1:1 (NIV) further underscores the blessings of avoiding negative influences: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
By reflecting on these scriptures, we see that our journey of changing friends to improve our lives is a well-trodden path that aligns with biblical wisdom. It serves as a potent reminder that our company can either lead us toward wisdom and righteousness or pull us into folly and harm.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your guidance and wisdom. We acknowledge that the company we keep profoundly impacts our lives. Your Word teaches us that “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33) and that “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
Lord, we ask for Your wisdom in choosing friends who will uplift and encourage us in our walk with You. Help us surround ourselves with those who seek righteousness and sharpen us in our faith. Protect us from the influence of those who may lead us astray and give us the strength to walk away from relationships that are not beneficial to our spiritual growth.
We pray that You bless us with friendships that reflect Your love and wisdom. May we also be sources of encouragement and support to others, helping them to grow closer to You. Thank You for the blessings that come from walking with the wise and avoiding the company of mockers (Psalm 1:1).
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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