The Companions Of Wisdom

_Warm-up_

• Lots of people and companies try to influence life decisions we make. What do you think most influences your personal decisions?

_Word_

/BIG IDEA

• Proverbs says that the people with whom we do life have power to shape us as individuals and direct what kind of life we will live.

• The term “companions” refers to the people we “herd” with. If these influential people are wise, we will likely become wise, but if they are foolish, then we will be negatively impacted by their foolishness.

• You are part of someone else’s herd. This means you have incredible power to influence others in your life for either good or evil. Your presence in the lives of your “crowd” is never neutral. It either sharpens others more into God’s will or entices them to go with their own base impulses.

/READ

Proverbs 13:20

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

/WATCH / LISTEN

/DISCUSS

_Old Self_

• What are ways we tend to downplay the influences others have on our own character and life direction? Why do you think we want to downplay the reality of their influence? What are ways dismiss the impact we have on other’s lives? Is it difficult for you to “own” this responsibly? Why or why not?

_New Self_

• Proverbs calls us to regain agency in our own lives, especially as it pertains to those who are our companions. Part of growing as disciples is a willingness to be influenced proactively by those who are “wiser” than us. Do you have anyone that is wise who you want be in your “herd?” What would it look like to be proactive in your relationship with them?

_World_

• This week, pay close attention to how the people in your life subtly influence you. How is your character and life direction being shaped, positively or negatively, by them? Next week, discuss whether or not you were surprised by the power of their influence.