Biblical Financial Principle #17 - Choose Your Friends Wisely

Choose your friends wisely:

Have you ever noticed how much we humans tend to reflect the manners, speech and dress of those around us? If you are not certain you agree with this idea, just spend a few moments watching Junior High or High School kids on their way to and from school. You will see small groups of two, three, four or several students that have very similar clothing. If you listen to them speaking they will be talking about similar subjects and using similar slang expressions. God's word tells us: "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." (Proverbs 13:20)

If we want to develop good habits we need to be cautious who we become friends with. Psalms 1 gives us excellent advice: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." (Psalms 1:1) Solomon agrees and tells us: "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men." (Proverbs 4:14) In our age of internet and TV this advice applies to choosing our “virtual” friends as well.

If we are tempted to stray from God's directives we need to stand firm in the truth. Country Western singer (and esteemed Bible commentator?) Aaron Tippin cautions us that "...you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything..." The Bible states: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them." (Proverbs 1:10)

In the New Testament the Apostle Paul advises us: "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.' (1 Cor. 15:33)

Here are a few more Bible references on this topic: Proverbs 4:19 - "…the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." Proverbs 5:3-4 - "…the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword." Proverbs 22:24 - "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered." Proverbs 23:20-21 - "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." Proverbs 24:1 - Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company."

So if we are not supposed to keep company with "wicked men" who should we "hang out" with? Solomon tells us in Proverbs 18:24: "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Who is that friend? Many Bible commentators see this as a reference to Jesus Christ. Is Jesus your friend? Would you like to know more about starting a personal relationship with Jesus? If so CLICK HERE. For video seminars on the economy and job search topics visit the Life Navigation web site.