WALK WITH THE WISE
Richard Harris
Today’s Scripture: “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20, ESV
Theme: Prioritize Christ-centered relationships and opportunities to be in faith-building environments.
BECOME WISE
Solomon wrote Proverbs 13:20 and many other words of advice to emphasize the value of godly wisdom as our true wealth. He tells us how we can be rewarded by revering God’s words. Those who revere His words want to follow and worship God and live life according to His grace. In addition, there is a benefit to relating and communing with wise, godly people, for whoever walks with the wise, becomes wise themselves.
From where does this wisdom come? Proverbs 2:6-7 simply states that: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of His saints” (ESV).
WISDOM IS THE FOUNDATION
Wisdom is more precious than jewels. Through wisdom, our spiritual foundation is built, with Christ as the cornerstone. The words "wisdom” and "wise” are found throughout the Bible, because wisdom was a part of God's creation from the beginning and is built into the foundation of all of God's work. Wisdom can look like common sense, counting to ten, leaning on experience, discernment, or correct judgement. Yet it ultimately comes from listening to God.
Who are the wise people in your life? Having asked that, I’d like you to then think about those who have played the fool in your life. As I read today’s Scripture, my thoughts traveled back throughout my life’s circles of friendships: childhood, young adulthood, military, church, occupations, and current friends. For the most part, I have migrated towards the wise but there were those times - I must admit – when I walked with a few fools. Maybe, at times, I was that fool.
Fools can be contagious to those around them. Christ-centered individuals should constantly be evaluating those around them – not to cast judgement, but to perceive their character and how it’s affecting ours. The words of a fool, alone, can be that flashing red light that alerts us to potential danger. We can abandon those foolish people or use our Christian knowledge to influence them to walk with the wise. This is an opportunity to build an environment of faith. Yet keep watch lest you be influenced by them.
Make It Personal: There is an old sixteenth century Spanish saying: “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” We can choose to be friends on our terms, or on the terms of others. Keep the terms of your relationship with God. Never sacrifice that for anyone else. Friendships usually gravitate towards similarities. The wise gravitate toward the wise. A wise future is a productive future.
Another quote, attributed to motivational speaker Jim Rohn, states, “You’re the sum average of your closest five friends.” I have written a list of my five most-trusted friends, and found them all to be Christ-centered, honest, giving, wise, and trusting. I am privileged to walk with them. Having just read this, I am sure you are compiling your own list. Remember, “Wisdom is the knowledge of God and a life lived for God” - Tripp Prince.
Pray: Lord, please help us gravitate towards the wise people in this world. Help us practice being a wise friend to others and guide us through our path of faith. We ask all this in the Name of our wise friend and Savior Christ Jesus, who laid down His life for all of us. Amen.
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:33; Hebrews 10:25; Proverbs 9:10, 14:7, 3:14-15; Galatians 6:1
Weekly Memory Verse: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33, ESV