Choosing Wise Companions

By: Pastor Mike Downs

May 2012, Family Conference

Choosing Wise Companions

Prov. 13:20 – “He that walketh with wise men be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

1 Cor. 15:33 – “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

Introduction:

·         Knowing how to choose friends is one of the most important skills you will ever develop.

·         Friends help shape your life because of their strong influence; therefore it is important to choose the right friends.

·         God outlines in His Word the characteristics of both godly and ungodly friends.

·         Who we hang around with is who we will become; therefore we need to use Godly wisdom in our relationships.

How Do You Determine the Right Kind of Friend?

1.       Identifying the Wise

1-      Fears the Lord – Prov. 1:7, 9:10, 15:33

2-      Studies the Bible – Prov. 2:4-6; II Tim. 2:15

3-      Receives Instruction – Prov. 9:9

4-      Prays for Wisdom – James 1:5

5-      Seek Council – Prov. 19:20

6-      Accepts Rebuke – Prov. 9:8; 15:31

7-      Goes Soul-Winning – Prov. 11:30

2.       Identifying the Foolish

A.      By How He Acts:

1- Ignores Reproof – Prov. 17: 10; 19:25

2- Despises Instruction – Prov. 1:7; 15:5

3- Perceives Himself as Always Right – Prov. 12:15; 14:16

4- Sees Mischief as Sport – Prov. 10:23

5- Makes a Mockery of Sin – Prov. 14:9

6- Quick Tempered – Prov. 14:17; 27:3

7- Meddles in the Affairs of Others – Prov. 20:3

8-Despises his Parents – Prov. 15:20; 19:13

B.      By What He Says

1- Slanders Others – Prov.  10:18

2- Double-Tongued – Prov. 10:18

3- Perverse Lips – Prov. 19:1

4- Quickly Speaks His Mind – Prov. 29:11, 20

5- Always Talks About Himself – Prov. 14:3

6- Talks a lot About Foolishness – Prov. 12:23; 15:2, 14

7- Often Contentious – Prov. 18:6   

Conclusion:

·         God desires that you fellowships with like-minded people, those that will encourage you in your walk with Jesus Christ.

·         Examine your relationships. Are the people you call a friend described a wise or foolish?

·         You are known by the company you keep.

·         We must make good decisions as it relates to friends; we can’t have the world and God. We must choose one.

·         Don’t form friendships with people what stand against what you believe. We must be loyal and faithful to the Word of God!