Proverbs in 31 DaysSample

It’s been said that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. The people we spend time with have an immense impact on who we are. How we speak, what we do for “fun,” and the attitudes we adopt. Dr. David McClelland of Harvard says, “[the people you habitually associate with] determine as much as 95 percent of your success or failure in life.” This chapter tells us that if we walk with the wise we will become wise, but if we walk with fools we will suffer harm (v. 20). Reading through this passage, it’s important that we pause and ask ourselves “Who are we walking with?”

There is a lot in this life that we cannot control. Disease. Death. Weather. However, we can control the people we spend time with, who largely shape who we are. It is exceedingly important to take over this part of our lives. Are we becoming more like Christ by being around them? Are we growing in wisdom? Are we loving more and increasing our patience? The Apostle Paul explains the same concept in 1 Corinthians 15:33, saying, “Do not be misled; ‘bad company corrupts good character.’ " Don’t miss how important it is to choose wisely the people we allow into our lives. It is formative.

Another thread throughout this passage is that the good life isn’t found by boasting in what the world deems “success”. Society makes us believe having it all is equivalent to having money, status, and fame. The car, the house, the diamonds, the luxury vacations, a verified checkmark on social media, or successful kids with the right reputation. Yet, scripture paints a different picture. Scripture says when we have Jesus in the right place in our hearts, that is when we have it all. John 14:6 says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”

Sure, we can use money to pretend we have a rich life. But money without Jesus leaves us poor, miserable, and with nothing. The point is not to refrain from material riches. We need money to live and to give. Money can certainly be used for good. But we need Jesus more—His grace, His love, His compassion, His patience, His mercy, and His hope.

He provides, and He is faithful. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all of your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Don’t miss out on the richness of a life with Jesus, all while striving for what the world will try to tell you is success. Only God can provide the enriched life we all desire.