Choose Your Friends Wisely

Walking In Wisdom Proverbs 13 "The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (Proverbs 13:14-15,20) We need to be careful where we go and what we do, we need to spend time with wise people,and learn from them,if we want to become rich spend time with millionars, if we want to be a good lawyer, spend time with lawyers and in courtroom, but if we want to be a good christian, born again and filled with the Holy spirit on a daily bases, we need to spend time with God and in His word and we need to spend time with good strong bible believing Christians who stand on the word of God. We need to practice being around people of good character, we need to read good uplifting material, we need to watch good uplifting shows on TV if we can find them. We need to and must let good wholesome materials and life styles guid us and shape us on a daily bases. As Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise". We as humans tend to pick up habits and mindsets from the people we hang out with. If we hang with wise friends it will help us see the places we are going wrong. It will help us make wise choices and avoid problems, disasters and pain. If we want to grow on a daily bases, we need good mentors whp will keep us pionted in the right directition, giving us a higher goal for ourselves than just existing. In our mission to Africa, we were told that as we entered a village for ministry, we should find a home of peace, whos ocupents show a character of peace, having a life style that is showing forth wisdom and having good judgment in life. We need to learn to talk less and listen more. Paying attention when we are in the presence of people who have walked many years in the presence of God. And are now willing to share Gods word to others no matter what the cost. So, my friends, I encourage you to find people to spend time with who will positively effect our behaviour, our actions, our speach, our company. If you hang with bad company you will become bad company. If you hang with the wise good company you will become wise and good. Read the proverbs that is our scripture portion today, listen to the wise counsel. Here King Solomon provides wisdom even though he failed in following it himself in th end. When He says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). He is implying we by ourselves may find it very hard to find wisdom. So therefore if we surround ourselves with wise people, God-honoring people—born again good teachers and friends—instead of hanging with a worldly crowd, we will become wise. When we Surround ourselves with characters who show “good judgment” it will help us avoid the downfalls of life. We will avoid the pits that lead to hell (v. 15). I pray this devotional will help you create and get an “education in building friendships. I have seen it over the years, friends are a big influence on us, and we tend to become like them. Whether it is for the for better and you become wise, it it is for the worse and you become foolish. Solomon who was considered wise ijn his writings and in parts of his life tells us to be aware of the company we keep, because“the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life” (v. 14). Father God, please help me,consistently surround myself with people and activities that will encourage me to she respect and reverance to You.. and to respect and love others And that I would daily get wisdom for life in the people I see and things I do. grow in wisdom.. Lord, these things are very, very important for me. I pray that in the process of me gaining wisdom, that I will also be a good example to others, also encouraging them to grow in love and wisdom For it is i your name I pray AMEN.