The friends you choose can either help or harm your life. Throughout scripture, we find stories of knuckleheads who were influenced by bad advice from friends, often with tragic results. These serve as valuable lessons about the importance of seeking wise counsel from wise people.
Thousands of years ago, David’s Son, the wise King Solomon, wrote this passage: “Walk with the wise and become wise. Associate with fools and get into trouble. (Proverbs 13:20) Solomon’s son Rehoboam failed to follow this advice. When he ascended to the throne, the masses told him, “Your father was a hard master. Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects.” (1 Kings 12:3B-4) Rehoboam said he needed three days to think it over. First, he discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. “‘What is your advice?’” he asked. “‘How should I answer these people?’” The older counselors replied, “‘If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.’” (1 Kings 12:6-7) Sadly, Rehoboam wanted to know what his friends would advise, and the young men told him, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s thighs! Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’” (1 Kings 12:10-11) Bad friends give bad counsel. Rehoboam followed his friends’ bad advice, leading to a split in the kingdom of Israel. Ten of the twelve tribes rebelled, and the kingdom was divided.
If you want to consistently make wise choices and live a Godhonoring life, you need to have God-honoring friends. The Apostle Paul said it this way: “Do not be misled. Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Years earlier the same advice was written in Proverbs 12:26: “The godly give good advice to their friends: the wicked lead them astray.”
If you’re friendly now with knuckleheads, recognize them as red flags indicating you need to find new friends. Why not try finding them at LECC at 415987 Highway 9, Eufaula, where our knuckleheads pursue the godly wisdom to change their ways?
Small group Bible study begins at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. and Wednesday night allage activities at 6:30 p.m. Here you can—if you haven’t already— become friends with Jesus and change the course of your eternity.
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
