Wise or Fools
What kind of friends do you surround yourself with? Are their some you need to purge or distance yourself from? Are their others you need to draw closer too? These are all great questions and ones we should ask ourselves from time to time.
Proverbs 13:20 says “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
I know for me, when I spend too much time with people who are negative or have bad language it effects my spirit. It actually starts effecting my words and thoughts. I can be having a great day and then after overexposure to the negative language I can start feeling down and sad. Remember our “words matter” they have power to be positive or negative.
When I hang out with the right kind of people in the right places, I am more likely to be used by the Lord. Others will be able to see Jesus in me more clearly. My outlook is brighter and my spirit is lighter. Wise people (mentors) can be a huge benefit for our lives just as the scripture says. If you want wisdom you don’t hang out with fools. My mentors pray for me and encourage me as I try to do for them. Again the power of prayer and wise counsel.
So am I causing myself more harm than good if I hang around for too long with the wrong people in the wrong places?
For me the answer is yes. There are people I do need to distance myself from and limit my exposure too for my spirits sake. The best thing I can do for them is to pray and encourage them, but limit my exposure.
We can plant seeds and let God do the watering. Jesus knew the effects of loving words spoken. He ministered to the masses showering blessings as he went however his circle of friends was small, even smaller than that, he had three main disciples he chose to go into the inner gardens with him to pray. James, John and Peter.
He knew the value of having the ones he loved and trusted near him. He knew the value of seeking God’s face every morning and having a relationship daily with his Father. He was never afraid or shy about rebuking evil.
As Jesus valued his close friends how much more I surely need them.
It is said that great sermons are not preached but lived. My imperfect life can be a God honored sermon if I continue to be mindful of the company I keep and hang with the wise.
John 13:35-For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.
What company are you keeping?