Proverbs 13:20 says that walking with the wise brings wisdom, but associating with fools leads to harm. This verse emphasizes the importance of discernment in the relationships we cultivate, as they significantly impact our character and choices.
Devotional:
Friendships are among the most influential relationships in our lives. They shape how we think, act, and even how we view ourselves. Proverbs reminds us that the people we choose to surround ourselves with can either lead us closer to wisdom or pull us toward harm.
Discernment is key when choosing friends. A wise friend encourages growth, challenges us to live with integrity, and reflects godly values. On the other hand, friendships based on convenience, shared negativity, or worldly priorities can subtly draw us away from God’s best.
This doesn’t mean we should avoid people who are struggling or far from God—Jesus Himself spent time with sinners. But even as we extend love and grace to others, we must guard our inner circle. Those closest to us should inspire us to grow in faith and character, not compromise them.
Choosing friends with discernment is also about being the kind of friend we seek. Are we encouraging others toward wisdom, or are we pulling them toward harm? By cultivating godly friendships, we create a community where wisdom and faith thrive.
Action:
Take time to evaluate your closest friendships. Do they encourage you to grow closer to God and reflect His wisdom? If there are relationships that need boundaries, pray for the courage to set them. Look for opportunities to build deeper connections with friends who inspire and challenge your faith.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of friendship and community. Help me to be discerning in the relationships I cultivate, seeking friends who encourage wisdom and faith. Teach me to be a godly friend, reflecting Your love and truth to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thought for the Day:
The friends you choose will shape your character—walk with the wise to grow in wisdom.
Luke 24:13-35 – Seeing Clearly Just after His resurrection, Jesus quietly joined two discouraged disciples...
Matthew 28:6 – He Didn’t Stay Dead Nobody expected an empty tomb that morning—not even the ones who loved...
Luke 23:53-56 - The Faith to Wait The women didn’t try to rush the moment or force a miracle. They did what...
Acts 9:36-42 – When Death Doesn’t Get the Last Word In Acts 9, we meet a woman named Tabitha—also known as...
Matthew 14:14-21 – When Scarcity Turns Into Overflow In Matthew 14:14–21, Jesus is moved with compassion...
Daniel 6:19-23 – When Lions Lose Their Bite In Daniel 6, Daniel is thrown into a den of lions—not because...
Matthew 28:18-20 – When the Mission is Bigger Than You Jesus wasn’t giving a pep talk—He was giving...
Exodus 16:14-18 – When God Gives Just Enough The Israelites had seen miracles—plagues, parted seas, pillars...
