psalm 119:63

63 - I am a companion

of all them that fear thee,

and of them

that keep thy precepts.

We are known by the company we keep.  Human nature naturally seeks out those who share their same values.

"Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; 

for it is better to be alone than in bad company."

~ George Washington

The entire book of Proverbs lists as one of its reasons for being written as "to [give] to the young man knowledge and discretion." And, in this case, the young woman, also.  Along with the middle-aged and the elderly...

The Word of God has quite enough to say about this particular subject and needs no amplification.  However, this little story, although not Biblical, illustrates this point very well.

A man wished to purchase a Donkey, and decided to give the animal a test before buying him.  He took the Donkey home and put him in the field with his other Donkeys.

The new Donkey strayed from the others to join the one that was the laziest and the biggest eater of them all.  Seeing this, the man led him back to his owner.  When the owner asked how he could have tested the Donkey in such a short time, the man answered, "I didn't even need to see how he worked.  I knew he would be just like the one he chose to be his companion."

Jesus was a friend to sinners, but his companions were God-followers.  WE would do well to understand the difference and follow His example.

© 2012 by Melani Brady Shock