“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20 NRSV

I feel like this is something my parents told me when I was a kid. Who are your friends and how did you meet them? Often, it is from proximity — who lives near us? Who do we work with?

This Proverb calls us to be intentional about the people we give most of our time and energy to. Are your friends people who build you up or tear you down? Do they bring you closer to God or make you stray farther away? Are they helping you become the person God means for you to become?

As you think about these things, also look in the mirror. Are you a wise friend or a foolish friend?

Dear God, thank You for this beautiful day. Please help me be a wise friend who helps others grow and become who You mean for them to be. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.