One
who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 13:20
Proverbs 13 [15.] Good understanding wins favor;
but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
Every prudent man acts from knowledge,
but a fool exposes folly.
A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline,
but he who heeds correction shall be honored.
Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.
Proverbs 13 [20.] One who walks with wise men grows wise,
but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Misfortune pursues sinners,
but prosperity rewards the righteous.
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
An abundance of food is in poor people’s fields,
but injustice sweeps it away.
One who spares the rod hates his son,
Meaning:
This verse from the Book of Proverbs offers a straightforward yet profound piece of wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of our associations and the impact they have on our personal development and well-being.
- Walking with the Wise:
Influence of the Wise: To "walk with wise men" means to spend time with those who are wise, to learn from them, and to adopt their habits and ways of thinking. This association leads to growth in wisdom.
Grows Wise: The phrase "grows wise" suggests a process of continuous improvement. Wisdom is not a static trait but one that can be cultivated and expanded through intentional relationships.
- Companion of Fools:
Harmful Associations: Conversely, being a "companion of fools" implies forming close relationships with those who lack wisdom and make poor decisions. This can lead to negative consequences.
Suffers Harm: The outcome of such associations is suffering and harm. Foolish behavior often leads to trouble, and close companions are likely to get caught up in it.
Theological Significance
- Wisdom in Relationships:
Divine Wisdom: This proverb highlights a key theme in the biblical wisdom literature: the value of wisdom and the importance of seeking it. Wisdom is portrayed as a guiding principle that leads to a fulfilling and righteous life.
Godly Influence: Walking with the wise can be seen as aligning oneself with godly influences. Wisdom in the biblical sense often involves a reverence for God and adherence to His ways.
- Consequences of Foolishness:
Moral Responsibility: There is a moral dimension to this proverb. Choosing our companions wisely is part of living a responsible and godly life. It’s a call to be mindful of the company we keep.
Judgment and Protection: This verse serves as both a warning and a promise. While it warns of the dangers of associating with fools, it also promises the benefit of growing in wisdom through wise companionship.
Practical Applications
- Choosing Friends Wisely:
Intentional Relationships: We should be intentional about the people we spend time with. Surrounding ourselves with wise, positive influences can help us grow and make better decisions.
Mentorship: Seeking mentors who embody wisdom can provide guidance and insight. Mentorship can be a powerful way to grow in wisdom and maturity.
- Avoiding Harmful Associations:
Setting Boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries with those who exhibit foolish behavior. While we can still show love and kindness to them, we should be cautious about allowing them to influence our decisions.
Discernment: Developing discernment helps us recognize foolish behavior and avoid its pitfalls. This involves prayer, reflection, and seeking God’s guidance.
- Personal Growth in Wisdom:
Continuous Learning: Growing wise involves a commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. This can be achieved through studying Scripture, reading books on wisdom, and seeking counsel from wise individuals.
Applying Wisdom: Wisdom is not just about knowledge but also about applying what we learn to our lives. Practical application of wise principles leads to personal and spiritual growth.
Cross-References:
Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction." This verse underscores the foundational role of reverence for God in acquiring wisdom, contrasting it with the disdain fools have for wisdom and instruction.
1 Corinthians 15:33: "Don’t be deceived! 'Evil companionships corrupt good morals.'" Paul echoes the wisdom of Proverbs by warning the Corinthians about the corrupting influence of bad company, reinforcing the importance of wise associations.
Psalm 1:1: "Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night." The Psalmist speaks of the blessings that come from avoiding harmful associations and instead delighting in God's law, highlighting the positive outcomes of wise choices.
Conclusion: Proverbs 13:20 offers timeless wisdom about the impact of our relationships on our personal growth and well-being. By walking with wise individuals, we position ourselves to grow in wisdom and make better decisions. Conversely, associating with fools can lead to harm and negative consequences.
This proverb calls us to be intentional about our relationships, to seek out wise mentors, and to avoid harmful influences. It encourages continuous learning and practical application of wisdom in our lives. The wisdom of Proverbs, when applied, leads to a fulfilling and righteous life aligned with God’s will.
By surrounding ourselves with wise and godly influences, we can grow in wisdom and experience the blessings that come from living a life guided by divine principles. This verse reminds us that our choices in relationships profoundly impact our journey towards wisdom and well-being.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible