September 16, 2011
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Traveling Companions

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Opening Prayer

Gracious God, You are my maker and my God. You gave me life and sustain my life. I give You praise.

Read PROVERBS 24:1-22

For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.

[1] Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company; [2] for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble. [3] By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; [4] through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. [5] A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; [6] for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers. [7] Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say. [8] He who plots evil will be known as a schemer. [9] The schemes of folly are sin, and men detest a mocker. [10] If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength! [11] Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. [12] If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done? [13] Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. [14] Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. [15] Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man’s house, do not raid his dwelling place; [16] for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. [17] Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, [18] or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him. [19] Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, [20] for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out. [21] Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious, [22] for those two will send sudden destruction upon them, and who knows what calamities they can bring?

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Reflect

“My child, do not let these escape your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence, … Then you will go on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble” (Prov. 3:21,23 NRSV).

“Bad company corrupts good character,” warns Paul. (1 Cor. 15:33). How many of us who are parents have watched with agony when our children have mixed with bad company—maybe nice, fun and understandably popular company, but with regard to God, bad company? The problem is clearly on the teacher’s mind as he gives his moral directions. Notice the references to companionship for the journey: the company of wicked men (1), the many advisers consulted by a wise general (5,6), the assembly of wise town elders “at the gate” (7), the band of rebels (21,22). We are social beings; some rogues are engaging company and some virtuous people are dull. We cannot help a clash of personalities nor can we deny that some wicked people enjoy enviable lifestyles. So, as well as wisely reading the road ahead and anticipating where our chosen companions and advisers might take us, we do need discernment to see people as they are. That means seeing them as they are before God and shrewdly sensing the calibration of their moral compass.

It also means sorting out from among those that we spend our days with at work or in the community, or even our own families and fellowships, those whom we will trust. Refusing to trust some people will disappoint them—does that worry us too much? Are we too nice to say “No” to some invitations? Do we crave short-term acceptance and popularity more than God’s approval?

The teacher cannot overstate the consequences of being in with the wrong crowd; many Christian parents have watched helplessly as their children have been derailed in painful slow-motion. But remember: it’s not just the young who can be steered into disaster by the company they keep. Be wise!

Apply

Thank God for those who have positively influenced you. Consider: how am I influencing those whose lives I touch?

Closing prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for my good friends. Help me to be one, too. Help me to speak, listen and act well for their sakes, as well as my own.

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