tapiocapuddin

[P]eople are significantly influenced by other people. When you rub shoulders with fools, your spiritual visage will undergo a transformation. You become like the fool. Proverbs 13:20 states, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” I'm not sure how these companions of fools are destroyed, but they are, nevertheless. It is interesting to note that this “companion” does not have to be a fool as well. At least, not initially. I slap myself on the head for the times I engaged with fools, thus allowing them to influence my thinking and behavior. They have a remarkable ability for dragging me into their slough. Thankfully, if I wasn't slapping myself, there was always someone else to slap me upside the head and inform me of my idiocy. You see, the “companion” of fools—although perhaps not a fool---will be characterized by foolishness simply by associating with them. And the destruction may relate to our reputation. As Ecclesiastes states, “A good name is better than precious ointment.” This is nothing, however, that conscious, premeditated forethought of whom I will choose to be my companions will not prevent. Or, if we're already there, amend.

Labels: Living for God