Proverbs: Biblical Wisdom for a Fortune Cookie WorldНамуна

Day 4:  Consider the Company you Keep

Proverbs warns us repeatedly to avoid associating with sinful men and fools.  It is interesting that there is a distinction between these two categories of people.  Today, let’s examine these two categories a little more closely.

Sinful Men

Sinful men are those people who are purposely trying to prey on innocent victims.  These men plot and scheme to take advantage of the unsuspecting by waiting to ambush and even kill the innocent for their own material gain.  Proverbs 1:18-19 tells us these sinful men are unknowingly setting the trap for their own demise! 

On the face of it, we may read this and quickly conclude that we are clear from sinful men who plot to kill innocent people; after all, that is quite extreme.  However, if we pause to more carefully consider our business associates, we may identify someone whose plan is to profit by taking advantage of the unsuspecting and/or uninformed.  This scenario can take place in many forms, ranging from get-rich-quick schemes, to manipulating others for personal gain.   Proverbs warns us to steer clear of those who purposely try to benefit from taking advantage of others!

Fools

Fools are those who will not listen to wisdom and are associated with folly.  Folly is the state of being foolish and/or lacking understanding or sense.  Simply stated, fools are the opposite of wise.  Because sinful men have evil intent, the pronouncement upon these men is therefore quite stern in that it leads to death.  However, the foolish commit their folly without regard to others!  Simply stated, fools are foolish!  Fools will still suffer the consequences of their foolishness, even though they may not have evil intent.  Nonetheless, we are admonished to avoid the foolish as well! 

What Does This Mean for Us?

Whether it is sinful men or fools, Proverbs is clear that we need to carefully consider with whom we choose to associate.  We are encouraged to associate with those who are wise and upright because those closest to us will have a profound effect on who we become!  Craig Groeschel, Senior Pastor of Life.Church, emphasizes this principle this way, “Show me your friends, and I will show you your future!”

Focus for Today

Today, let us consider those we allow into our inner circle.  Are these people wise and upright?  Do they encourage and uplift?  Do they display Godly character?  If not, perhaps we may be better off to find new friends who will help us become all that God has created us to be!