Proximity Matters
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Proverbs 13:20 NIV
It makes sense, doesn't it? If you surround yourself with people making terrible decisions, it won’t be long before you start acting like them. Or you might be blamed for another's poor decisions simply by association. You will inevitably “suffer harm.”
We always want to love those who are far from God, but there’s a difference between loving someone and joining them. Instead, if you walk with the wise—watching, asking, learning, mimicking—you will also become wise in the process.
So what kind of person do you want to be? And who in your life would you call wise? Maybe it’s a parent, grandparent, pastor, or teacher. Maybe it’s your neighbor, coach, or someone else you admire for all the right reasons.
Whether it’s intentional or not, we are all being discipled by someone. So if you want to walk with the wise, proximity matters.
Meet them for coffee or lunch. Join them on a walk. Invite them into your home. Learn from their experiences. Read the Bible with them. Ask them face-to-face questions.
Like Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise knowledge and insight.”
Turns out, God is the wisest mentor of all. So talk to Him throughout your day, learn from Him by reading Scripture, and spend time with others who also long to be more like Him.
From my personal experience, the impact of the people you choose to spend time with can be truly life-changing. When I intentionally sought out mentors who embodied wisdom, patience, and faith, I noticed a gradual shift in not only how I thought but also in the decisions I made daily. For example, one of my mentors encouraged me to start a daily habit of reflecting on Proverbs, which helped me focus on integrity and trustworthiness in my own life. Moreover, creating regular opportunities to meet face-to-face with wise individuals can deepen these benefits. Simple actions like grabbing coffee, engaging in meaningful conversations, or even walking together while discussing life’s challenges provide invaluable learning moments that are hard to replicate alone. These interactions reinforce positive habits and help clarify one’s purpose. The verse from Proverbs 13:20 underscores a powerful truth: the company you keep directly influences your character. I found this especially true when I distanced myself from negative influences and instead nurtured relationships that encouraged spiritual growth and alignment with God’s wisdom. An important takeaway is recognizing that while we are called to love and support everyone, we also need to be protective of our own journey by choosing wisely whom to 'walk with.' This balance between outreach and self-care helps maintain one’s spiritual health and growth. Lastly, incorporating prayer and scripture reading into your daily routine—especially with others who share your desire for wisdom—can create a community of support that inspires accountability and continual learning. In my experience, leaning into God as the ultimate mentor while surrounding myself with godly wisdom has been instrumental in my personal development and fulfillment.
