It has been said that you become like the 5 people that you spend the most time with.  Solomon may not have followed his own advice, but he knew friends were important.  “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)  “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)  Paul gave a similar warning in his first letter to the Corinthians.  “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)  Our book of Psalms begins by telling us that happy is the person who spends time in God’s word rather than spending time with unrighteous people.  “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalms 1:1)  Jesus, the perfect influence and best friend a person could have is there for us if we want him to be our friend.  “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14)

Today’s reading: Proverbs 13-15