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Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

Proverbs 13:20 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.13.20.NLT

My mom told me that who I associate with matters. She wanted me to choose people who would be a good influence on my life. She wanted me to stay away from people who would get me into trouble. Now, as a father and grandfather, I appreciate the words of my mother. Such wisdom.

As a youth, I challenged my mother’s wisdom, in part, because I was rebelling. I did also want to be a positive influence on people who were being foolish. I thought I was strong enough to hang out with people being foolish and not get into trouble. Guess what, going against mom’s wisdom didn’t work out so well.

This proverb is true to all ages worldwide. Seek out people who are wise and walk with them. A wise person is someone who listens to truth and applies it to their own life. One of the great qualities of wisdom is a humble spirit willing to learn and grow. As life has gone on, I seek to have my life surrounded by wise people.

Regarding people who insist on being foolish, I love on them. I am careful to keep myself accountable to wise people in the process of loving on them. I want every person to know Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, it is important not to isolate ourselves from people who need to move from foolishness and trouble to a life of wisdom through a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Walking with wise people while helping people living in foolishness is key. Having wise people walk with you and cover you in prayer is powerful. Being in God’s word and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance is critical.

Mom was right. My closest friends are people who are wise. I will love and reach out to people who live foolishly; but I will not be hanging around bad company as the core relationships of my life.

Encouragement: Identify three people that you consider wise. Ask them to have a cup of coffee. Talk with them about areas of life you need counsel on. Step away from relationships that are leading you into trouble. Ask the wise people in your life to help you step back from relationships taking you in the wrong direction.

Prayer: Dear Father God, thank you for the wisdom of my mother, which is actually the wisdom of scripture. Help us to choose wise friends and spend time with them. Help us to step back from relationships that are leading us into trouble. In Jesus name, Amen.

-Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center