by Debbie DiVirgilio

Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.
~Proverbs 13:20 (MSG)

As I read this verse, I had to chuckle. I don’t believe there is anyone of us that would like to be or would choose to be called a fool. But, how often do we unconsciously choose to do so?
This verse confirms for us what our parents always told us as we were growing up – that those that we “hung out with” would influence us, either for our benefit or our detriment. Unfortunately, most of the time when we were hearing this, it was not because we were spending time with wise people. And, all too often, we discovered that when we were around people who were not wise, our lives did indeed “fall apart.”

While we might think that we have grown beyond this verse as adults, as nonprofit or ministry leaders, we haven’t. The verse still applies to our lives.

Think about:

  • Where do you get your info and resources?
  • Who do you go to for advice?
  • Who do you spend recreational time with?
  • What are you reading and putting into your mind?

We can become wise by ensuring that we are putting the right information in our minds, that we are going to the right people for guidance and direction, that we read wise material, engage in wise habits and that we spend time with positive people. Please know that I am not saying to isolate yourself and never interact with non-believers (how would we ever live out the Great Commission?) but instead, we need to be filled with wisdom so that we are equipped and ready to be wise for others.

So, what steps do you need to take toward wisdom today? Perhaps you need to begin by ensuring you are getting information and resources from sources that you can trust…from those whose values align with yours. Perhaps you need to begin by seeking advice from wise people. Or perhaps you need to look at your recreational and “down time” activities.

But, you may ask, how can I really know if someone is wise? The answer is to look at the fruit in their lives. In other words, what is their life producing? Scripture tells us we are known by our fruit, and wise fruit cannot grow in environments where it is not nurtured. Take time today to nurture the fruit of wisdom in your life. Sweet Blessings to You, My Friend.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/