Text: Prov 13:20-22 ESV 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. - Prov 13:20-22 ESV WALK WITH THE WISE Definitely, the people we associate with do influence our decisions and our outlook on life. Their choices can affect our lives. Peer pressure is strong, and its influence can be either good or bad. There are sad stories involving those apprehended by police with friends doing violence and crime. Hence, the mark or evidence of a wise person is in choosing the right friends. Righteous persons seek God and godly knowledge (Prov 1:7; 8:33–36). However, those who choose companionship with fools will harm themselves. That harm can be earthly (Prov 10:27), but it also can be eternal (Prov 11:7). Indeed, bad company corrupts good morals. To enter into a friendship is a choice. Let us be like David, saying, "I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts."Psa 119:63] Even, Moses commands, "You shall not fall in with the many to do evil."[Ex 23:2] We are what we are by the choices we make. Those who pursue sin will reap disaster [v.21a]. Such people may seem to thrive, for a while (Psa 73:2–3) But, there is a terrible end for their wickedness (Prov 11:7; Rev 20:11–15). Paul assures us that "the wages of sin is death[Rom 6:23]." And, the prophet Isaiah declares, "'There is no peace,' says the Lord, 'for the wicked.'"[Isa 48:22] On the other hand, the righteous do enjoy God's peace, don’t they? The psalmist testifies: "Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble"[Psa 119:65] Let us take note that godly people may experience pain and suffering in this world (John 16:33), but they hope for the glory of God’s redemption someday(Rom 8:18). The ‘what you sow you reap principle’ of God’s dealings with mankind is expressed by Paul. He teaches that "the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."[Gal 6:8] Thus, Paul encourages the believers not to "grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up" (Gal 6:9). Most likely, the righteous who avoid company with the foolish will handle his treasures well as good stewards.[Prov 1:7,11:25,19:17] He is not following the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, or the pride of life but spends as a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to him. He wisely lives within his means, and responsibly leaves inheritance to his children and grandchildren. In contrast, the foolish person rejects God (see Psa 10:4). Resultingly, he would waste or lose his wealth through unwise spending. Or. It is taken away from him as punishment for their crimes. ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram