“The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” — Proverbs 12:26
If you want to serve God, one of the best decisions you can make is to surround yourself with friends who also want to serve Him.
We are deeply influenced by the people we spend time with. Spending time with those who do wrong can easily lead us to pick up bad habits, use foul language, and adopt negative behaviors.
Why Friendship Choices Matter
Your choice of friends can shape your entire future. Friends can either encourage you to do what is right or pressure you to do what is wrong. Because of this, few decisions in life are as important as choosing the right friends.
When you choose your friends, take your time and observe how they treat others.
- Don’t just assume someone is a good influence because they attend church or claim to love God.
- Pay attention to how they talk and behave.
- Notice how they treat their parents and authorities.
True friends should help you grow closer to God, not pull you away from Him.
The Danger of Bad Influences
Some people make friends with those who behave poorly, believing they can change or rescue them. Unfortunately, the opposite usually happens. Instead of the bad influence learning good behavior, the good person often starts adopting the bad behavior.
I once had a close friend who started hanging out with boys who made poor choices. It didn’t take long before my friend found himself in trouble with the police because he went along with his new group’s illegal actions.
Be careful who you allow into your inner circle! Choose friends who will lift you up and keep you on the right path.
Private Reflection Journal
What is one thing from this study that you can apply to your life today? Jot down your thoughts below.