Walk With the Wise and Become Wise — Proverbs 13:20
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm"
— Proverbs 13:20, NIV
This verse teaches a simple truth that we often underestimate: the people we spend time with shape the people we become.
We tend to think of ourselves as independent, making our own choices without being influenced by others. But the truth is that friendships rub off on us. Over time, we begin to share the habits, attitudes, and values of those closest to us. The way they speak, spend, react to problems, and think about God gradually becomes part of us.
That is why the verse says to "walk with the wise." Walking with someone means sharing the journey. It is more than a brief meeting; it is a steady relationship. When we regularly spend time with people who love God, speak truthfully, handle difficulties well, and make sound choices, their wisdom begins to influence ours.
The second half of the verse gives a warning: "a companion of fools suffers harm." In Proverbs, a fool is someone who ignores God and refuses correction. Close friendship with such people can slowly draw us away from what is right. Paul gives a similar warning: "Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33).
This does not mean we should avoid people who do not share our faith. Jesus spent time with tax collectors and sinners, and He calls us to show His love to everyone. The real issue is who influences whom. We can be kind to all while choosing our closest companions carefully.
It is also worth considering what kind of companion we are to others. Our friends are watching us too.
Today, think about the people who shape your thinking most. Thank God for the wise ones, and look for opportunities to spend more time with them. Ask God to help you be a wise friend to someone else.
Lord, surround me with wise and godly people. Help me choose my friends carefully and be a good influence on others. Amen.
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