It matters who we allow to speak into our lives. Who we keep company with matters. I’m sure we’ve all heard the analogy. If two men are on a ladder, it’s much easier for one to pull the other down than for the one to pull the other up.

As we have now reached Proverbs 23 on this 23rd day of October, we see some people that we are to avoid.

“Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy.” vs 6

“Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat.” vs 20

Now, this doesn’t mean that we don’t acknowledge them if they are in our presence. It certainly doesn’t mean that we shun or avoid them if they come to church. It means that we are careful in our interactions. I would say, especially, if we are prone to sin in the same area.

This isn’t the first time Solomon has spoken to relationship boundaries. In yesterday’s proverb, he instructed that we are to make no friendships with people prone to anger (Proverbs 22:24.)

We’ve also been told to not associate with a gossip or one who is careless with his words (Proverbs 20:19.)

We are to leave the presence of a fool (Proverbs 14:7 and 13:20.)

There’s always that in-the-world-but-not-of-it tension. We are to love others but use wisdom in our relationships with others. Lord, give us discernment.

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