Proverbs 13:20

“The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.”

‘Walking with’ as well as ‘companionship’ refer to my primary relationships. This is true also for my children and grandchildren.

Many confident Christian men believe that they will influence others more than others will influence them. This verse refutes this utter deception and promises ‘certain results’. 

These results may not be immediate but they ‘will’ happen and thus the ‘will’. 

– will become wise. 

– will suffer harm. 

David modeled the positive of this promised truth;  

Psalm 119:63

“I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.”

David chose primary friends who both feared God, which is the beginning of wisdom, and followed God’s Word. 

The Apostle Paul reinforces the negative of this truth;

I Corinthians 15:33

“Do not be deceived: Bad company will corrupt good character.”

Good character will not corrupt bad company but rather bad company will corrupt good character. 

So, yes to being salt and light to a stale and dark world – but my companions, my primary relationships, are to be chosen carefully.  The ‘certain result’ is that they will influence me and that I will become like them. 

Question: Have you seen this to be true?