Choose Wisely!

God created us to live in relationships with others. In fact, it is difficult for many to go through a day without speaking to someone about something. Friends are very important and can bring “good things to life.” However, the opposite can also be true. Some friendships bring healing, help and hope into our lives while others bring us trouble, turmoil and tragedy.

No doubt Solomon had his share of friendships that were not what he expected and brought the unwanted and unexpected into his life. So, he issued us a warning: “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

“Righteous” in the Old Testament always refers to meeting God’s standards of what is right and just. If our relationship with God is as He wants it to be, then we must be “cautious” about our relationships with others. Their influence us always standards for righteous living. Unfortunately, being close friends with a person whom we admire and respect, but who has no time or concern for godly things is very dangerous. The influence that person has on our life can lead us astray and destroy us. That is why we must be “cautious.”
Our relationship with God is more important that any relationship with any other person.

But how “cautious” are we to be? Very! The meaning of that word includes “duties” like instigate, spy out or search out. “How foolish,” some might say. Not really. If we want the best God has to offer us we must be cautious.

Prayer:  Lord, may we guard our relationship with You and strengthen it through reading Your Word and prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 12:26 The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.