Walk Right!

Walk Right!

Proverbs 13:20 AMP

[20] 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.

It matters where you walk. It matters how ypu you walk. It matters who you walk with. It also matters who or what directs your steps. We are in an uncertain world; wars, rumours of wars, famine and earthquakes have changed the perspective, making us pause and really consider options before we act. The system of the world gives you options, many of which are unsafe. How do you determine the right way to go, or the right step to take? How can you be sure you are where God wants you to be, and doing what God wants you to do? You need to be sure, particularly when you consider the eternal consequences tied to your decision. 

I note that the verse above makes reference to the 'wise', not the 'smart'. The difference is in origin and purpose. Being smart can come from education or nature, but wisdom comes through life experiences, self-awareness and time. Also, being smart can be determined by knowing what to say at a particular time, but being wise is knowing if, when and how to say whatever it is that needs to be said. Being smart is about the short-term solution to an issue; being wise focuses on the long-term consequences of actions and decisions. It is in this light that the verse above should be considered. Am I focused on immediate reward, or on long-term benefits? 

Am I wise, or am I smart? I also note that walking with the wise as a companion makes me wise. How does this work? Walking with the wise means that I am careful to watch their lives in action. If I am walking with someone else, I keep in step with the person at all times. I do not jump ahead, and also strive not to lag behind. Like the disciples, access to the wise is a privilege not to be taken for granted, or treated with levity. There are life lessons that will not be learnt by words, but by observation. When you see a wise person respond to trials and tough times, you learn the value of patience and perseverance. 

Of course, the opposite too is true. If I choose to walk with the opposite of wisdom, I get the opposite of the benefits of wisdom. If I am a  companion of conceited, dull-witted fools, what else can my life produce, except what looks like what I have spent time with? That is another lesson for me: I look more and more like whatever experience I spend time with. If it is with the wise, it leads to good outcomes. If it is with fools, it leads to harm. Consider the eternal consequences of your actions: it is not something to leave to chance. Be very deliberate about where you walk, and who you walk with. Your eternity will be glad you did. God's time of favour is here.