Walking Wisely

2-16-2012 by Boyd Bailey

Walking Wisely


“Thus you will walk in the ways of good men, and keep to the paths of the righteous.” Proverbs 2:20

Walking wisely means you keep company with those who love and obey Christ. They are your influencers, because their values reflect the route you want to take in life. There is an alignment of purpose with people who pray together on behalf of the greater good of God’s Kingdom. So in college walk with the crowd who is all about character building, service to others, studies, love for the Lord and obedience to His commands.

At work prayerfully partner with those who are principled in their business philosophy. Someone may have less skill and experience, but you can trust their heart to do what they say they will do. Moreover, do not negotiate with mediocre living, as it is distasteful in the mouth of your Master Jesus. Instead walk with those who raise you to righteous living.

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20

Of course you are to reach out and care for sinners, but with the purpose of loving them to the Lord. God has placed you in the life of unbelievers to influence them toward heaven. Perhaps one day they will thank you for your patience and prayers. Walking wisely means you learn to do well by being with those who aspire to intimacy with the Almighty. You walk with the ones who obey the One.

Furthermore, your family may need you to slow down, because you have run so far ahead they are unable to keep up and benefit from your presence. Walk with your sons and daughters while you can. Your leadership at work will advance in significance when your entire team walks with you in focus. Above all else, walk with the Lord and He will give you wisdom and insight into who to walk with and where.

“This is what the LORD says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it’ Jeremiah 6:16

Who do I need to cease walking with, who do I need to continue walking with, and who do I need to begin walking with?

Related Readings: Psalm 119:63-115; I Corinthians 5:11; Hebrews 6:12