The Power of the Walk!
[20] He who walks [as a companion] with wise men is wise, but he who associates with [self-confident] fools is [a fool himself and] shall smart for it. [Isa. 32:6.]
Proverbs 13:20 MSG
[20] Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.
There is an interesting definition of 'walk' that is available online, and it is: "move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once". This definition is quite relevant to the message of the verse above, and it means that the way to wisdom will require some form of action from me. There is no room for making assumptions, or simple inactivity. The opposites for walking, also available online, are: Standing: Static; Immobile; Stationary; or
Settled. These would show someone who is not interested in moving from a fixed spot. The person is comfortable where s/he is, not because it is ideal, but because the person will not be bothered to move. There is an action that determines the outcome I desire. There is an action that matches the expected reaction. What do I need to do today in the pursuit of the purpose of God for my life?
If Godly wisdom is the pursuit and the desire, there is a walk that is required. The bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If I will be wise by God's standard, I cannot do it by folding my arms and wishing it into existence; I have to take steps that line up with my desire. I must choose friends wisely, and make sure to surround myself with people who know and appreciate the value of true wisdom. Walking also shows agreement and alignment; two cannot walk together or make meaningful impact unless they agree. One person may be tempted to think s/he is self-sufficient, but alone, you cannot achieve much. God has so ordained it that by virtue of cooperation and coordination, a lot more can be achieved than by individual efforts alone. Even God, as mighty and powerful as He is, wants to walk with man to work out His will and purpose for that man.
How, then, can any man think he will make it without anyone's help? Try as much as you can, there are things you may never achieve, and heights you may never conquer, unless you walk with those who have walked that path before and have been given grace by God to overcome. Why do we share testimonies of God's grace, if they do not point men to the value of human relationships and interactions? It has to be noted also that the opposite too is correct. If I choose to walk with those seen as foolish, who claim that there is no God, it means that I will look like them at some point. Audit the company that you keep; this has impact on your earthly and eternal realities. Watch your associations; they will either push you toward the fulfilment of God's plan for you, or drive you into the fire of hell. Watch where you walk; your future depends on it. God's time of favour is here.
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