Beware Foolish Friends

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

Proverbs 13:20

It is important not to choose fools for friends because you will become just like them: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” This is important for young people to know, especially during the years when peer pressure is so great. Christians are not supposed to live like isolationists, walling ourselves off from those who need Christ. It is fine to have casual friendships with those who are not wise, but not committed friendships. It is when we begin to open ourselves up to others on a committed level that we are likely to be influenced to become like them.

Sometimes Christians forge friendships with unwise people thinking they can change them. But you will both be changed. Many Christian young people marry non-Christians thinking they can win them over after the marriage. It rarely happens. Everyone is on their best behavior during courtship, and after marriage, the mountain of unbelief looms larger than it did before. You shouldn’t make committed friendships with fools, but you should look for faithful friends.