PROVERBS 13:20 EVS ” Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm”
This is an often-cited biblical proverb, for good reason. It is extremely important to choose one’s friends wisely. The people we choose to associate with will influence our decisions and our outlook on life. Their choices can affect our lives.
In his book High Maintenance Relationships Les Parrott offers lot of ways to know whether someone is a plus or a minus in our lives:
(1) Do you feel anxious when a particular person has called and left a message for you to return?
(2) Are you dealing with a relationship that drains you of energy and enthusiasm?
(3) Do you dread having to see or talk to a particular person at work or in a social situation?
(4) Do you always seek to give, but get nothing in return?
(5) Do you keep second- guessing your own performance as a result of interacting with this person?
(6) Do you become more self-critical in their presence?
(7) Is your creativity blocked or is your clarity of mind hampered by the lingering discomfort of having to deal with them?
(8) Do you try to calm yourself after being with this per- son by eating more, biting your nails, or engaging in some other unhealthy habit? (9) Do you have imaginary conversations or mental arguments in which you defend yourself or try to ex- plain your side of a conflict?
(10) Do you feel resentful that this person seems to treat other people better than they treat you?
(11) Do you wonder why this person singles you out for criticism but rarely acknowledges what you do well?
If you answer yes, you’re in a high-maintenance relationship, and you’ve three options: (1) Continue to suffer. (2) Continue to complain. (3) Do something about it. Start by heeding the Scripture: “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.” May the Lord grant us wisdom to always walk with the wise at all times. Amen.
