Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Recently I traveled to visit a dear brother in Christ. It was an awesome experience. Having talked with him before over the phone, I was eager to finally meet him and see the grace of God in his life, and be edified together. As I observed, it was his custom of waking up in the morning, getting a Bible and notebook, and studying the Word. Other times in the evening it was listening to a sermon. I observed him day by day. It was never fading. The devotions were edifying. Great messages and great Gospel Truths were proclaimed. Being with this wise brother, I really learned a lot.
It is true that He who walks with the wise grows to be wise, but a companion of a fools suffers harm.
Let’s seek friends who are wise. I don’t mean those who are Albert Einstein’s, Isaac Newton’s, and Aristotle’s of this age. I mean those who seek the heavenly kingdom. Those who will stir our hearts to prayer, to Bible reading. They are the best friends who point us to Christ. How few and rare are such friends? Indeed we must be thankful for the ones who we have.
As a Christian, you are not supposed to be a loner, in this pilgrim journey, find brethren who really love God and you will find real joy. On the other hand, Bible does mention a companion of a fool. You don’t need to be a fool yourself, but by being the companion of one you will surely pay the consequences. How much harm, pain, sorrow, and discomfort have we suffered because of keeping friendship with the ungodly? They quench the spirit in us.
I do not mean we should have nothing to do with unbelievers. I do not say that never have conversations with nonbelievers or do business. No, Bible does not say that we should run into the woods and in the caves to keep us from being ruined by the word. The verse says a companion which means: a fellow, a mate, partner, or a consort.
Let’s not entangle ourselves with fools. In case you are wondering who are the people the Bible calls fools, let’s see. Bible says fools say there is no God. Denial of God of the Bible is real proof of a fool. Fools have no interest in understanding. They just want to be right in their own eyes. Fools are masters in despising wisdom and counsel. Another sign of a fool is that they hate knowledge and make fun of the wisdom. Their hearts are bent on evil.(Psalm 14:1, Proverbs 18:2-3, 1:5-7,12:15, 1:22)Do you now see why a companion of a fool will inevitably suffer harm? Let us take heed of who are our friends. Are they born again? Do they profit my soul? Do they fear God? Do they hate sin?
“Associate with sanctified persons. They may by their counsel, prayers, and holy example, be a means to make you holy…. ‘He who walks with the wise shall be wise.'”
Proverbs 14:7 “Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
Shalom.