Identify the Company you keep

 

Text: Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

I believe when most of you saw the topic, a common saying came to your mind, and if nothing came, the saying is, “show me your friend and I will tell you who you are”. I believe most of us have heard this saying so many times, but the truth is, a lot of people are still victims of bad company, and this has led to them losing so many opportunities. Friendship is a valuable necessity for us, and there is a need for us to spend quantity time with the impactful individuals and not with the wrong company. Friendship is a vital asset, and God has given us the best thing we can ever ask for, which is freedom, and we are meant to use it in choosing our friends because we are meant to choose them wisely and carefully. Proverbs 12:26 (NIV) - The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Although man loves companionship by nature, there is still a need for us to understand some vital keys needed for choosing the right and genuine friends. From our text above, we are encouraged to FOLLOW THE WISE, and this is the most vital key. The amazing part is that, following the wise does not just make you wise, but it also makes you to grow wiser. Proverbs 27:17 (ERV) - As one piece of iron sharpens another, so friends keep each other sharp. And this is a critical aspect of a joyful living.

Choosing the right company does not just make you wiser, but it also makes you to live a peaceful and joyful life because these friends tell you what you did wrong rather than them trying to flatter you. Proverbs 27:5-6 (ERV) - Open criticism is better than hidden love. You can trust what your friend says, even when it hurts. But your enemies want to hurt you, even when they act nice. I know the truth is painful, but a genuine friend will be bold enough to criticize when you do wrong so that you will still achieve your dreams, so please do not misinterpret those wrong associations as good because they flatter you. Although you have been told these keys repeatedly, you can only choose the right company with the help of God because He is the best friend you can ever have, and not only that, but He even gives you more benefits than any other friend can provide. Always remember also to be a good and genuine company or friend to someone else.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Thank you Lord, for surrounding me with positive-minded friends that is encouraging and helping me to improve my abilities in Jesus name.

2. Father, please make me a good friend that will give good advice and be an improvement to my friend's lives in Jesus name.

ACTION QUOTE: Friendship is not by force, but by choice.