Scripture: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” – (13:20)
Observation: Here is another proverb of Solomon’s that uses comparison and contrast to make a point. In this verse, the king cautions his son to be wise when it comes to those with whom he chooses to associate himself.
Application: There is an old saying that a man is known by the company he keeps. This refers to a person’s character. It is definitely reflective of those with whom he spends most of his time. In today’s key verse, Solomon explains that if one wants to be wise, hang around wise people. Conversely, if one chooses to associate with fools, eventually the individual’s life will be in ruins.
In Psalm 1, the psalmist writes, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (v 1-2). When one associates with godly people, their characteristics tend to “rub off” on us, and sadly, the opposite is just as true. I recall a co-worker who tended to pepper her speech with unsavory words. When her toddler repeated one of those words in a public setting, my co-worker was surprised and somewhat embarrassed that her little one would say such a vile word! 1 Corinthians 15:33 states, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” This little child was a clear example of the truth in that verse!
Ephesians 5:1 gives us clear instruction on whom to follow if we want to be wise. It states, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;”. If we follow Jesus’ example in living, we are following the author of wisdom! Referring to God, the Bible tells us in Job 12:13, “With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.”
Want to be thought of as wise? Walk with the wisest! Walk with God!
Prayer: Dearest Lord, I praise You for Your unfathomable wisdom! There is nothing that You do not know for You created all things! Thank You that You are also willing to share Your wisdom with Your creation! James tell us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask You, and You will give it liberally! Thank You for the words of wisdom You give us in the Bible, and for the illumination Your Spirit provides as we read those words. Help me to walk wisely, in the shadow of my Saviour, and apply Your wisdom to my life. In Jesus’ sweet name, I pray. Amen.
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me save that thou art.
Thou my best thought by day and by night;
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true Word;
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father, I thy dear child;
Thou in me dwelling, with thee reconciled.
(from “Be Thou My Vision” by Eleanor Hull)
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“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14