How can you "walk with the wise" in your daily life choices? Setting the Foundation: Proverbs 13:20 “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” – Proverbs 13:20 Why Your Companions Shape Your Future • Wisdom is transferable; foolishness is contagious (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Companions influence thoughts (Psalm 1:1-2) and habits that either build or erode character. • God ties your growth to community (Hebrews 10:24-25). Identifying the Wise Look for people whose lives line up with biblical wisdom: • Fear of the LORD at the core (Proverbs 9:10). • Consistent obedience to Scripture (John 14:23). • Character traits listed in James 3:17: “pure, peace-loving, gentle…” • Humble openness to correction (Proverbs 15:31). • Proven fruit over time, not momentary flashes (Matthew 7:20). Practical Ways to Walk With the Wise Every Day • Prioritize gatherings where God’s Word is central—worship services, Bible studies, discipleship groups. • Schedule regular conversations with a mature believer; ask what they’re learning, how they apply truth. • Read books, listen to podcasts, and follow teachers whose doctrine and lifestyle align with Scripture. • Pair up for accountability: share goals, confess struggles, pray for each other (Proverbs 27:17). • Pursue mentoring: volunteer to serve under someone seasoned in faith and character. • Choose friends whose decisions spur you toward holiness, not compromise (2 Timothy 2:22). Cultivating Relationships That Nurture Wisdom • Initiate hospitality—invite wise believers for meals; listen more than you speak. • Join ministry teams; shared service reveals integrity and fosters mutual sharpening. • Attend conferences or retreats that emphasize sound doctrine and practical application. • Invest in younger believers; teaching others cements truth in your own heart (2 Timothy 2:2). Screening Digital & Media Influences • Audit social feeds: unfollow voices that mock righteousness (Proverbs 22:24-25). • Replace empty scrolling with Scripture apps or sermons from trusted sources. • Use commute time for audiobooks that deepen biblical understanding. • Discuss what you’re learning online with real-life mentors to keep perspective. Guarding Against Compromise • Set clear boundaries with persistently foolish companions; love them, but limit influence. • Memorize key verses (e.g., Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33) to recall in moments of peer pressure. • Ask the Spirit daily for discernment to recognize subtle folly (James 1:5). The Fruit of Walking With the Wise • Growing skill in godly decision-making. • Freedom from predictable traps that ensnare the foolish. • Increasing resemblance to Christ, “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). • A legacy that influences others toward righteousness. Choose companions carefully, and your steps will naturally follow the path of wisdom promised in Proverbs 13:20. |
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