May 30, 2020
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill wisdom in God’s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is generally true in principle, not a universally true promise. Let’s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!
Reading this chapter you can almost envision Solomon passing on his “wisdom” to his sons around the house. In verse 20, it is loud and clear. Maybe you can even hear yourmom or dad.
Here are some other well known sayings about friendships: “birds of a feather, flock together,” “if you lie down with dogs, you’re going to get fleas,” “2 peas in a pod,” “cut from the same cloth,” “that’s the pot calling the kettle black,” “guilty by association,”
The first part of the verse mentions walking with wise people. Walking is methodical, step by step progress to get to a destination. When we choose to walk with wise people, we are choosing to observe their words and lives daily and that influences where we go in life.
The second phrase contrasts walking with wise people versus being the friend of a fool. The negative consequence of being a fool’s friend is trouble. It seems obvious, but we must constantly remind ourselves and be discerning!
Proverbs 13
13 A wise son hears his father’s instruction,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good,
but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,
while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
5 The righteous hates falsehood,
but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.
6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
but sin overthrows the wicked.
7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth,
but a poor man hears no threat.
9 The light of the righteous rejoices,
but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
10 By insolence comes nothing but strife,
but with those who take advice is wisdom.
11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,
but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,
but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death.
15 Good sense wins favor,
but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
but a fool flaunts his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,
but whoever heeds reproof is honored.
19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
21 Disaster pursues sinners,
but the righteous are rewarded with good.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.
23 The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,
but it is swept away through injustice.
24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
It is a life principle, the people closest to us are the people who impact us the most. Paul mentioned it years later in 1 Cor. 15:33 “Do not be deceived, ‘Bad company ruins good morals.'” Choose your friends wisely and be a good friend!
Family Discussion Question:
- Why is it so important to be wise and discerning about the people we surround ourselves with? How can we surround ourselves with friends who lead us closer to Jesus, and how can we be friends who lead others closer to Jesus?
Dear Heavenly Father,
We learn as children, in order to have a friend is to be a friend and to treat others like we would like to be treated, for God is love. Lord, Your Word is so powerful and true. Every child should be given such good instruction like Solomon gave to his son. Please help us as parents, teachers, friends and grandparents to realize our role in laying the foundations to our children and carrying them out throughout life. We are to never stop teaching Your ways or learning, as the devil lurks around every bend. We are to be wise and on guard at all times. Please lead us all through this world and protect us from evil. Help us to keep our eyes on You and walk with You so we can be a light to others along the way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I love your prayers, the prayer helps me to understand the scripture that we read. Thank you for the love and understanding of your prayers. AMEN and HALLELUJAh!!!
Father, you are the creator of the universe and not a genie in a bottle we call out to in our need or want. Your word feeds my spirit. Grant me strength today to accomplish your will. Now…let’s be going to find one more for Jesus today. Amen
Verse 14: Sound Bible teaching.
This is my prayer, that I will always…walk with the wise ….becomes wise, but the companion of fools … will suffer harm. Father guide my steps, actions, and words in all I do.
When I was younger, I thought my parents were clueless, however, when I grew up, I appreciated the wisdom they have and how they guided me built on strong Christian values. Thank you God for my godly parents!
I will guard my mouth and preserve life. I will fear the commandments and be rewarded. I will regard reproof and be honored. I will walk with wise men and be wise.
Yes Lord Jesus thank you for our godly parents and grandparents which pointed us in the right direction and helped introduce us to You. Amen.
Thank you Lord for giving me Godly parents who always gave me good wisdom and instilled in me that Sunday was a day to worship you by going to church.
Father thank you for you Word that teaches us how to live, how to speak, treat others, and how to even choose our relationships and friends! I’m so thankful for your guidance and thank you for the godly friends you’ve placed in my life. Help me to be as much of a blessing to them as they have been to me.I love you Lord. Amen♥️
Father, Please guide my steps, words & actions in all that I do. Help me be a godly example to my children & grandchildren. Guide & protect my children & grandchildren & help them make wise decisions. Thank you for all my blessings. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Amen!
Vs. 24. Thank you Father for blessing me with Godly parents who sought you through out their lives and who taught me and my siblings the way of the Lord. It is my desire Father to be your light, shining your way for our next generation. As unworthy as I am, Father, I pray you use me to the glory of your name. Amen
My parents didn’t attend church but my mother always sent us to church. I am grateful for that. Church attendance has always been a priority in my life, thanks to Mom for her guidance. Even in Godless countries where I worked, I found churches to attend.
Thank you Lord for “your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Ps. 119:105