Choose Your Friends Wisely

September 14

Isaiah 17-19

Psalm 104:16-26

Proverbs 22:24-25

Philippians 2:12-30

Choose Your Friends Wisely

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”  Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV

The Bible has much to say about choosing our friends wisely.  Our friends have a tremendous influence over us in many ways.  They shape our character, influence our attitude and mood, impact our behavior, and guide our decisions.  As believers, it is imperative that we choose friends who point us to Jesus, encourage us in our walk with the Lord and lead us on a path of godliness and righteousness.  We each have lots of friends and acquaintances.  I am not suggesting that we do not associate with unbelievers or those who are not walking closely with the Lord.  The friends I am talking about are your “people,”  the ones you spend the most time with, the ones you call for advice, and the ones who have the most influence over you.  These are the people you have to be very selective in picking.  You don’t get to pick your family members.  In most situations you don’t have a lot of control over the people you work with or go to school with.  You don’t usually get to pick your neighbors.  But you get to choose your “people.”  Choose wisely because they will impact every area of your life.  Below is a list of some of the characteristics you should seek in friends. 

1.     Encourages and supports you, doesn’t tear you down.  (I Thessalonians 5:11)

2.     Trustworthy and will not betray your confidence. (Proverbs 11:13, 16:28-29)

3.     Honest and tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear, holds you accountable.  (Proverbs 27:6, Ephesians 4:15)

4.     Prays for and with you. (James 5:16, Colossians 1:11)

5.     Loyal, dependable and sticks by you in difficult times.  ( Galatians 6:2, Proverbs 17:17, 18:24)

6.     Forgiving.  (Colossians 3:13)

7.     Brings out your best. (Proverbs 27:17)

8.     Peacemaker and not easily angered, you don’t feel like you are walking on eggshells around them all the time.  (Proverbs 22:24-25, Mattew 5:9) 

9.     Spiritually wise.  (Proverbs 13:20)

10.   Points you to Jesus, encourages your spiritual growth.  (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Examine the “people” in your life.  Are you surrounding yourself with people like this?  Are there people in your life that you need to allow to have less influence over you?  Are you being this type of friend to others?  Ask God for wisdom in choosing your friends wisely.