Walk With the Wise

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,

but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)

This verse begs us to ask ourselves two questions: What kind of person am I? and What kind of people do I spend time with? I once heard that we are the average of the people around us. Do you remember how to calculate averages in math class? You add up all of the numbers, then divide the sum by the number of numbers (e.g. 3+5+7=15; 15/3=5). If you spend most of your time around the same people, then you will start to become like them in a few—or many—ways. The way we talk, eat, think, and even laugh will start to change based on our company.

When I eat a burger and fries, I always eat all of my fries before I eat my burger. Why? Because that’s the way my dad did it, and I spent a lifetime around him. I mix my peas and mashed potatoes for the same reason: my mom did it! The way I laugh is a product of the family I spent a lot of time with, and it even goes through minor changes because of some of my friends.

But there is another side to the coin. Our company can affect us in positive ways, but also in negative ways. Certain people from my past have had negative impacts on the way I thought and even treated others. These changes came over the course of either a year, multiple years, and even a decade. Some affected my behavior, and very few affected my faith. When I was no longer the companion of those people, I sought companionship from the wise. I sought friendship with people who lifted me up. When I was surrounded with kindness, I became more kind. When I spent more time with people who freely give themselves for the sake of Christ, my heart became more open to serve Christ in all that I do.

If you wish to be wise, dine with the wise. If you wish to be kind, laugh with someone who is gentle and kind. If you keep company with those who seek to please only themselves, you will be left cold, bitter, and selfish. I do not petition that you completely cut off everyone who has some form of negative impact on you, for we are a people called to be in the world but not of it (John 17:15, 16). Rather, remember that you are the average. To keep yourself positive, surround yourself with more positives. If you are around nine positives and one negative, you still come out positive. Be the positive integer in a negative person’s life, that they may see that there is a better community within the body of Christ. Call the fool into companionship with the wise.

Non Nobis Nati