stephen R Harrison

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

I love the intelligent assistant (SIRI) and GPS on my phone. I can say, “I’m hungry,” and it will say, “Well, we can’t have that.” It then suggests the closest places and provides directions. That’s what I’m talking about! I’m the kind of driver who needs step-by-step directions when going to a new place, and even then, I sometimes argue with the GPS. I depend upon the GPS to get me where I need to be when I need to be there. Some of you will remember when GPS and navigation systems were not in vehicles, and you had to stop and ask for directions (well, I did when I wasn’t so stubborn). When I was a kid, my dad would get out the big map that covered the steering wheel and front windshield and chart the course from one city to the next. I don’t think anyone stops and asks for directions anymore, and from time to time, I still like to get out the big paper map. God’s Word is like a GPS that guides our next steps if we obey.

Proverbs 2:8 says God “guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.” God can direct our “course” and “way” in life if we will follow Him. It’s hard to know how to get someplace if you don’t know where you are going. We need God’s directions and instructions, His Word, guiding us step by step in everyday and big situations and decisions. This is especially true in relationships. The first part of Proverbs 2 (verses 1-11) reminds us to consult the Lord for wisdom. Those verses say He gives insight, understanding, and knowledge that speak to our minds but also down deep into our hearts. God’s wisdom will guide us in everything we need, even choosing the right relationships. Our relationships shape us. The people we hang around and allow to influence us will determine what kind of people we are. If we listen to the Lord and apply His wisdom, He will keep us from evil influences. Verses 12-15 remind us some people are perverse, devious, wicked, and delight in doing wrong. People of bad influence will cause bad consequences and corrupt good character.

Similarly, verses 16-19 tell us to stay away from the “adulterous woman”.  Now, this may be a specific woman, but it is mainly talking about lust. Any woman not your wife should not be treated as your wife. That means you should not flirt, talk to, treat, or look at her the way you would your wife. Even if you aren’t married, there are temptations of lust that abound and should be avoided. Wisdom is genuinely recognizing the “evil man” and the “adulterous woman”.  We should “walk in the ways of good men” (20).   These are the right kinds of friends who follow the Lord and obey His Word. Which relationships are good for you, and which are bad? Do your friends help you grow in the Lord or drift further from Him? Is there someone tempting or causing you to lust? Run!!! Find friends who will help you grow in the Lord and follow His Word. “Walking with the wise will make you wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20).

Questions to Ponder

How do you find and develop wise relationships?

Where do you need more of God’s wisdom?

What verse stands out the most to you?

What other questions came to mind?

Actions to Take

Who do you need to limit access and influence in your life? How are you going to do this?

When you are around godly influencers, what will you do to learn from them? 

Scriptures to Read

Proverbs 13:20, 17:17, 18:24, 27:17

Prayers to Pray

Jesus, I want to be a person that reflects your wisdom. I hope to be a friend in whom others see your character. Help me seek godly relationships that help me grow like Christ. Help me avoid relationships that detour me from Christlikeness.