Wise Steps

Wise Steps!

He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise, But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm. PROVERBS 13:20 AMP

Today's extract addresses the issue of companionship. Why would this be a major issue for discussion? Could it be that God's plan is that I function within the human circle, not on my own, but in relation to other people. Right from the Garden of Eden, God had always emphasized companionship, and that is why he puts us all in families. However, it must be noted that even though God is all about the company I keep, he would want me to be very careful who I relate with.

What today's extract seems to place so much emphasis on is that I am defined by my relationships. I recall the very first verse of the Psalms which speaks about the blessed nature of a man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful. It matters where you walk, stand or sit. Even Paul spoke about the effect of evil communications, and its effect on good manners.

And the power and influence of wise men is seen in this funny analogy, also in Proverbs, where even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise. Everywhere you turn, it would appear that I could be described by my interactions, whether I like it or not. I could be described by the friends I keep or by the people i am comfortable around. If I can allow evil easily influence me, then maybe, I had always had that trace in me.

And the highest and noblest claim to wisdom is through God, who is seen as the definition of wisdom Himself. Paul calls Christ the power and the wisdom of God. If indeed I will be termed wise, the person of God himself must guide my actions, reactions and relationships. I do not have the wisdom in myself, as i do not know people beyond what they show me or pretend to be. But if I allow God lead, he will guide my interactions.

And I must not forget that I am an immortal being, put in a mortal body, and working towards the original plan, which is immortality. I cannot settle for distractions and anything that takes away from the original plan. I live every day, dependent on the God who owns my life and determines its impact. I depend on Him to lead me right as i journey towards the promised end. His time of favour is here.