Proverbs 13:20. Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
In line with this proverb, we might say, “Wisdom is more caught than taught.” Not only do we learn to be wise through the formal education offered to us, but also through the informal relationships that we choose. Walking with the wise means doing life together with them. Journeying on the same path together. As we walk together with the wise, we absorb the accumulated wisdom of those around us. Like the disciples with Jesus himself, literally walking and talking with him from town to town, learning his ways, following his footsteps, praying his prayers, preaching his sermons, performing his acts, trusting his Father.
Of course the opposite equation is true as well. Walk with fools and you will suffer harm just like them.
The applications of this proverb are nearly endless. Every relationship is in view. Marriage. Friendship. Education. Partnerships. Mentorship. And, of course, discipleship.
So who have you chosen to walk with on the path of life? Are they godly? Do they know Christ and trust his gospel? Are they filling you with his grace? Do they help you to consider the consequences of your choices? Are they asking you the difficult questions? Speaking the last 10%, that no one else would dare say to you? Declaring the truth in love?
Who should you choose as a friend? A companion? The popular? The wealthy? The beautiful? The powerful? Or, the wise? Look for the person who is following Christ and attach your life to theirs. Ask to be in their small group. Take them to lunch and pick their brain. Seek their counsel. Imitate them as they imitate Christ.
Also, what kind of companion are you for others? Are you a wise friend or a foolish friend? Are others better for having been around you? Do they love and trust Jesus more because of what you have poured into their lives? Does your life serve as a sign that points others to the gospel? I pray that it does.
The good news is that each and every person in Christ has access to the wisest companion ever, the Spirit of Christ. The Holy Spirit in us, the Spirit of Wisdom, is making us ever wiser as we choose, day by day, to walk in his steps. Steps that will always lead us back to the love of God for us in Christ.
Galatians 5:16. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
The Christian life is one of following. Plain and simple. The life of love and holiness comes from walking in the footsteps of the Spirit. We don’ forge our own path. We don’t make our own way. We don’t run ahead. We keep pace with Christ. Trusting that where he is, is the best place to be.
You: Who are your companions? Are they leading you deeper into Christ?
You in Christ: In Christ you have access to the wisest companion of all – Jesus. In what ways has he already led you toward wisdom and away from harm?
Christ in you: What might following in the steps of the Spirit specifically look like for you today?
Pray: Spirit, I want to follow alongside you. You are my truest friend. Amen.
To Live is Christ 