Choose Friends Wiseley
I remember as a kid growing up, my Mom warning me about hanging around certain kids who were known for trouble. I understand more than ever as a parent why she gave this strong council. There were kids who got in trouble just because they were hanging around the troublemakers. They were guilty by association.
I have friends in law-enforcement and I know that they can’t help but think this way as well. Troublemakers tend to attract other troublemakers. My Mom was trying to get me to choose my friends carefully because I can become know by the company I keep. Check this out….
24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, 25 or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. 26 Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; 27 if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. (Proverbs 22:24-27 NIV)
I really wish I had paid more careful attention to this advice. I did pretty well with steering clear of bad people, but I did fall into the trap of borrowing money. During the down turn of our economy, I struggled to keep all my debts covered. Thankfully I made it through and I learned a very hard lesson. I don’t ever want to borrow money because as the Proverb writer says: “the borrower is a servant to the lender”.
I want to be wise and prudent in choosing friends and managing my finances. I want to be generous and kind. I don’t want to “keep up with the Jones” or try to impress others with my material possessions. I want to impress the Lord with a heart devoted to Him alone. He will guide me in my choice of friends and guide me in money management.
Pressing On! Dwayne