Companions: Be Careful Who You Run With

The company we keep is infectious. This is why God tells us in His Word not to run with the wicked rather the righteous. Particularly if we are not mature enough to make wise choices – no matter what age we may be. We can easily fall into sin but holiness must be a pursuit. Sometimes we need wisdom to show restraint regarding our companions. If you run a white glove over mud it will inevitably get dirty, Amen? So does wallowing in the pig pen. And people often have a tendency to spiral down if given the opportunity. We should ask ourselves what benefit did we receive from the things we are now ashamed of? Many have lost all by blending with the world. We are to beware of who we choose to be close to – who has our ear - do they bring us up or take us down?

Just as a companion of fools suffers harm, he who walks with the wise grows wise. Pay attention - pay close attention - to the lifestyle from whom you take advice – is their life worthy of emulation? Guilt or grief are generally close companions of the gracious souls who walk with the wicked. Indeed, Scripture calls those wicked with names such as vipers, thorns, thistles, chaff, dross, stubble and scum – just to name a few. To be sure, they are not to be in the inner circle of the believer’s life – those whom we give credence to. To become wise, “run with” the wise. Indeed, the influence of good and bad associations runs throughout the Book of Proverbs.

The Apostle Paul also writes against running with the rabble in Ephesians 5:11-17 (NIV): “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” 

God desires for us to keep a distance from tempting objects or people who fuel evil thoughts and actions within us. This is dangerous to our souls and we can easily get caught up in it. Victory begins by avoiding the person or thing from which evil thoughts proceed. Remember the thought is always the passageway to the action. Cast out sinful thoughts in the beginning before they take root and the hand acts or the mouth speaks. They are always easier to resist at the beginning. We are to flee from objects or people that cause us to fall.