“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20).
According to Psalms 1, a righteous man is blessed because he pays careful attention to the companions he chooses. He does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful (v. 1). His closest and dearest companion is the law of the Lord (v. 2).
Because of his wise choice of companions, he is like a sturdy, vibrant, fruitful tree (v. 3) and not like the wind-driven chaff (v. 4). He will be wise because of the wise company he keeps and allows to influence him for good. He will not be destroyed because he eschews the company of fools.
Be not deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Cor. 15:33) and “the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psalms 1:6).
