We look for many qualities in friends. We look for friends who share our interests, show kindness, and encourage us to grow. Of all the things we look for in friends, one of the most critical things we must look for and teach the kids in our lives to look for are those who honor God through their words and actions.
The writer of Proverbs 13 encourages us to spend our lives seeking to honor God in all that we say and do. In this passage of Scripture, he writes, “Walk with the wise and become wise” (verse 20). Indeed, if we surround ourselves with wise people, we will become wiser people simply by learning from them and following their example. The opposite is true as well, which is why the writer of Proverbs 13 continued, “associate with fools and get in trouble” (verse 20). Indeed, if we spend time around unwise people who lead us further from Christ, we will find ourselves in trouble with deep regrets. Next, the author of this Proverb continues, “Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous” (verse 21). If we follow those chasing after sin and the things of this world, we will be met with trouble. There is no other option. Sin leads us toward a life of trouble, pain, shame, and regret. Living righteously, which means seeking to honor God in all that we say and do, leads to blessings from God. This does not mean physical and earthly blessings on this earth. It means the blessings that result in following Christ, most notably eternal life and peace with Him.
Many people today are vying for our influence, seeking to impact the way we live and the way we live. The same is true for the children in our lives. Many people are seeking to influence the way they think, talk, and behave. We must commit today to surround ourselves with people who point us to Christ because of the way they live and encourage the children in our lives to do the same.
What people in your life are specifically following God and honoring Him by the way they live their lives? Reach out to them today. Tell them you are thankful for them and invite them to challenge you and encourage you as you seek to live a life following and honoring Christ.
1A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline;
a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
2 Wise words will win you a good meal,
but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.
3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life;
opening your mouth can ruin everything.
4 Lazy people want much but get little,
but those who work hard will prosper.
5 The godly hate lies;
the wicked cause shame and disgrace.
6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless,
but the evil are misled by sin.
7 Some who are poor pretend to be rich;
others who are rich pretend to be poor.
8 The rich can pay a ransom for their lives,
but the poor won’t even get threatened.
9 The life of the godly is full of light and joy,
but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
10 Pride leads to conflict;
those who take advice are wise.
11 Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears;
wealth from hard work grows over time.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 People who despise advice are asking for trouble;
those who respect a command will succeed.
14 The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;
those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
15 A person with good sense is respected;
a treacherous person is headed for destruction.
16 Wise people think before they act;
fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.
17 An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble,
but a reliable messenger brings healing.
18 If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;
if you accept correction, you will be honored.
19 It is pleasant to see dreams come true,
but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.
20 Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.
21 Trouble chases sinners,
while blessings reward the righteous.
22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren,
but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.
23 A poor person’s farm may produce much food,
but injustice sweeps it all away.
24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
25 The godly eat to their hearts’ content,
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
