Walking with the Wise #156: Careful Companions

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
—Proverbs 13:20

The company we keep largely shapes who we are. If we seek to live with those who are wiser than ourselves, then we will begin to notice that we are becoming wise. We learn that which is good and true and to avoid that which is evil and false. Those who seek to be friends with fools will notice the same principle at work, but conversely so. They will learn the ways of the foolish, becoming like them and then suffering for it.

This principle of spiritual osmosis can be found throughout the Scripture in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. David was expressing the truth of this principle when he wrote,

“Blessed is the man 
 who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, 
nor stands in the way of sinners, 
 nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 
 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, 
 and on his law he meditates day and night.”—Psalm 1:1-2.

The blessed man is not the one who listens to the wicked, participates with them, and then becomes one of them. The blessed man is the one who delights in God’s Word, and meditates on it day and night.

Paul, too, wrote about the importance of the kind of company we keep. In writing to the church at Corinth, he addressed some who said that there was no resurrection from the dead and that everything that he and other servants were doing meant nothing. Paul said,

“I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.’ Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’ Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame”—1 Corinthians 15:31-34.

He noticed that if they continually kept company with those who rejected Christ, they would be affected. The company we keep affects our spiritual state! Yes, we are to reach out to those who are in sin, but we must make sure that we are affecting them for their good, equally being careful that we are not being pulled into sin. As Paul wrote,

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted”—Galatians 6:1.

Hear the words of the great apostle again: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals’”—1 Corinthians 15:32. Bad company is corrupting, but good and godly company is transforming, as the Proverb states: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another”—Proverbs 27:17.

Are you being corrupted or sharpened? Influenced for godlessness or godliness? Surround yourself with friends who sharpen, not lead you into sin. Walk with the wise and you will find yourself growing wise; walk with fools and you will suffer harm.

Lord, help me to cultivate good and godly relationships. If there is a relationship that is not edifying in Your sight, or is keeping me from seeking You, may I forsake it. May I surround myself with those who are seeking Your face and may I learn from them more about who You are and what You desire of me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.