The Clear & Present Faith Podcast

Words of wisdom come from unexpected places sometimes…

I was attending what amounted to the first concert I had ever attended. More accurately, I was attending my first concert that didn’t involve something like the President’s Own, the United States Marine Band (although it was really cool to see that trumpet player do Carnival of Venice, then Orange Blossom Special as an encore). No, these guys were playing guitars, drums, a piano, and the crowd was singing along to their music. As the show neared its end, the lead singer stepped to the mic and imparted some words of wisdom…

“You can choose to surround yourself with two kinds of people in your life: those who bring out the best in you, or those who bring out the worst in you. And if you surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you, you will be much happier.”

I don’t know what that singer thinks about spiritual things – but his point is spot on. God doesn’t intend for us to operate independently. He expects us to first put faith and trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 6:25-34). Additionally, He designed us to be “social” creatures. By that I don’t mean the proverbial “social butterfly,” but rather to operate as part of a society of people who can support us (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Galatians 6:2)

So, what does the Bible say on the topic of the people we choose to associate with? Proverbs, once again, is full of thoughts on the matter:

• The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm. (Proverbs 13:20)
• Don’t make friends with an angry person, and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered one, or you will learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. (Proverbs 22:24-25)
• Stay away from a foolish person; you will gain no knowledge from his speech. (Proverbs 14:7)
• A righteous person is careful in dealing with his neighbor, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray. (Proverbs 12:26)

I pray you have people in your life that bring out the best in you every day so that you can be your best for God every day.