Walk with the wise and become wise
So far, I’ve suggested New Year’s resolutions with you that require ongoing effort, like controlling your tongue, improving listening skills, and practising regular generosity.
Today’s resolution, however, is one that you typically have to do once and for all: breaking ties with toxic friends.
The Bible encourages deep, loyal and Godly friendships:
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“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” – Proverbs 17:17
- “The pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” – Proverbs 27:9
But it also warns us of the dangers of the wrong kind of friends:
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“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24
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“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” – Proverbs 12:26
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“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
- “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” – Proverbs 22:24-25
This doesn’t mean that all your friends need to be believers; it is great to be friends with people who don’t know Jesus (yet) and to show them God’s love through your actions.
What is crucial, though, is that you make sure your friends, Christians or non-Christians, do not lead you into sin through peer pressure:
“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. My son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths” – Proverbs 1:10,15
Toxic friendships can drag us into include gossip, bullying, anger, lust, jealousy, and more.
friend, do you have friends who aren’t a good influence? Let this be your wake-up call to cut ties!
“Heavenly Father, give friend the wisdom to recognise toxic friendships, the strength to end them and the courage to seek new, Godly friends. Amen”
