Bible Society of South Africa

Choose friends correctly – 30 January 2023

By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Bible text(s)

Psalms 1

Psalms 1—41

True Happiness

1Happy are those

who reject the advice of evil people,

who do not follow the example of sinners

or join those who have no use for God.

2Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the LORD,

and they study it day and night.

Psalms 1:1-2GNBOpen in Bible reader

1 Corinthians 15

33Do not be fooled. “Bad companions ruin good character.”

1 Corinthians 15:33GNBOpen in Bible reader

Proverbs 27

17People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.

Proverbs 27:17GNBOpen in Bible reader

“Avoid negative toxic people.” This is the advice of Maria Branyas Morera, a French nun who recently celebrated her 118th birthday as the world’s oldest person. She was born on 4 March 1907, seven years before the First World War.

Maria got a point. Throughout the Bible we are warned to choose wisely who we are spending time with. It will have an effect on us.

In Psalm 1:1-2 we read: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” In 1 Corinthians 15:33 we read: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” And in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (NIV)

Let’s choose how and with whom we spend our time. No matter how strong we think we are, the friendship will affect us – positively or negatively. God bless.

Prayer: Father God, thank you that I can ask you for positive people in my life. Also help me to carry a positive attitude with me to have a good influence on the people around me. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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