Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 13:20

by David Chadwick

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

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but if you walk with fools, you will become foolish. 1 Corinthians 15:33 has a similar teaching, which says, "Bad company ruins good morals." If you have never heard this principle before, hear it today: who you choose to work with, spend time with, marry, and be influenced by really, really matters.

Once again, I have to give a nod back to my dad, who said it this way, "Your friends are like elevators; they will either take you up or bring you down." What a profound truth this is!

It is so important to be discerning and careful as you choose companions. The book of Proverbs is so clear. One option will make you wiser, and the other brings destruction and harm.

The people you keep company with will either propel you toward greatness or tear you down. Your friends and your companions will either make you foolish or wise. There really is not an in-between, lukewarm option to this principle.

For those of you who are parents, you should seek to implement this truth with your kids and teens. Peer pressure is real, and you, as parents, have every right and responsibility to guide your children in choosing their friends. Intervene when necessary! Talk to them. Be honest with them about what you notice in other people. Use Proverbs 13:20 as a guide to help teach your children this very important life lesson so that they can lead lives of wisdom.

Too often, parents hesitate to interfere with their children's decision-making because they don't know how it will be received. But healthy stewardship of the children God has given you is not control. Remember you have been called to lead your children in the wisdom and instruction of the Lord (Deuteronomy 11:19).

No matter what age you are, walk with wise people. Avoid fools. And encourage others to do the same. This principle will keep all of us safe and growing in wisdom.