Which other Proverbs emphasize the importance of wisdom and discernment in relationships? Setting the Scene: Proverbs 28:7 “A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.” The proverb links clear-eyed obedience to God’s Word with the company we keep. Right relationships nourish wisdom; wrong ones pull us toward disgrace. Companions Who Corrupt: Proverbs That Warn • Proverbs 1:10 – “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” • Proverbs 12:26 – “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” • Proverbs 13:20 b – “…the companion of fools will be destroyed.” • Proverbs 14:7 – “Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his lips.” • Proverbs 20:19 – “He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who flatters with his lips.” • Proverbs 22:24-25 – “Do not make friends with an angry man … lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” • Proverbs 26:17 – “Meddling in a quarrel not his own” is like “grabbing a dog by the ears.” • Proverbs 29:3 – “A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.” Friends Who Sharpen: Proverbs That Inspire Healthy Connections • Proverbs 13:20 a – “He who walks with the wise will become wise.” • Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” • Proverbs 27:6 – “The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” • Proverbs 27:9 – “…the sweetness of a friend is earnest counsel.” • Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” • Proverbs 18:24 b – “…there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.” Guarding Speech: Wisdom That Protects Relationships • Proverbs 16:28 – “A perverse man kindles strife, and a gossip separates friends.” • Proverbs 17:9 – “Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.” • Proverbs 19:11 – “Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” • Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Romantic and Family Discernment • Proverbs 2:16-19 – Wisdom “will rescue you from the forbidden woman.” • Proverbs 6:23-29 – God’s commands “keep you from the adulteress.” • Proverbs 11:22 – “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.” • Proverbs 18:22 – “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” Listening to Counsel • Proverbs 24:6 – “Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.” • Proverbs 25:17 – “Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house lest he grow weary and hate you.” (Wisdom even guides how often to show up!) Living Proverbs 28:7 Today • Choose companions who revere God’s law; they help you keep it. • Measure every relationship by its fruit: does it foster obedience, honesty, purity, and faithful love? • Welcome truthful friends who “wound” you for your good; avoid flattering voices that dull discernment. • Guard your tongue; few things sabotage relationships faster than gossip, anger, and constant critique. • Seek counsel before big decisions—marriage, business, conflict resolution—because wisdom is often delivered through godly advisers. By treasuring these proverbs alongside 28:7, we remain sons and daughters who honor our Father, living proof that wisdom and discernment are the truest guides to rich, God-pleasing relationships. |
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