The book of Proverbs provides plenty of insight to help you live wisely. Perhaps one of the most quoted verses in this book of wisdom is Proverbs 13:20: “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble” (NLT). So what does it mean to “walk with the wise?” I would suggest that there are three words that characterize the idea of waling with the wise.
1. Friend – To walk with the wise means you’re not taking the journey of life alone. You need friends – wise friends – to walk with you. Those friends may include family members, co-workers, neighbors, leaders, coaches, mentors, and more. The question is, “Are they wise?” Do they exhibit a love for God and people, a learning attitude, a humble heart, a moral life, the ability to listen, and a strong work ethic? If so, invest your time with those friends.
2. Frequent – The idea of walking doesn’t imply a one-time stroll through the park, but rather frequent walks throughout life. It’s the idea of taking a journey with someone, not popping in for a single visit. It’s doing life with others, not throwing an annual party to catch up.
Think about it. As wonderful as Thanksgiving dinner is, even more wonderful is all of the meals you get to eat throughout the year. Walking with the wise isn’t so much a Thanksgiving “cram it all” relationship, but rather frequent connections with others who enrich your life.
The goal is frequent doses of wisdom, not one massive injection. Frequency allows you to digest what you’re learning from wise people, and absorb their wisdom one dose at a time.
3. Forward – Finally, to walk with the wise implies forward movement. In other words, walking means you’re moving from point A to point B. You’re not moving backward, and you’re not sitting still. You’re taking steps forward, toward a better destination.
Question: Are the people you spend the most time with helping you become wise? Which of the three words is the strongest/weakest in your relationships?
