Have you ever noticed that there are 31 chapters in Proverbs, and 31 days in most months. I have for several years now liked to read the chapter corresponding with what ever day of the month it is. It is neat how often you will find something in that chapter that will help you out on that particular day.

So anyway, since today is Jan. 14th, I read in Proverbs 14. Since I'm starting this blog today I figured I would write about something in this chapter. There is much that is useful here, obviously, since all scripture is profitable. But I picked out this one thing that I see here, that is good advice for these present times.

Proverbs 14:7
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

Why would this be important? Does this mean that we should be picky about who we associate with. Absolutely. I used to be a youth director. One thing I always told my youth group was "show me your friends, and I'll show you what you are, or what you soon shall be." It's just a fact of life. I was reading a book one time that mentioned that when a person is first exposed to criminal behaviour it repulses them. After awhile they come to accept it. After some time they begin to practice it. You have got to remember that you are influenced by the people you are around. And because you do still have that sin nature inside of you, you are far more likely to be dragged down to their level then they are to be lifted up to yours.

So how do you know if you are around a fool? Well according to verse 7 you will perceive "not in him the lips of knowledge." Have you ever been around someone who always has alot to say, but it's obvious that they know nothing about what they are talking about. The Bible refers to this in one passage as "the sacrifice of fools." It is one of the things to look for. I'm not saying you have to be rude to them, but that isn't the kind of person you want to spend alot of your time with.

Proverbs 14:9
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

Here is another attribute of the fool. There are many of these around. Unfortunately, there are even some amoung Christian breathren. Sin is not something that should ever be made fun of. You better watch out what you watch on TV or listen to on the radio. A Christian has no business laughing at dirty jokes. According to the Bible a person who mocks sin is a fool. The Bible is very clear that we should weep over the sins of our nation. You will never weep over something that you have laughed at in the past. Again you shouldn't even hang around a person who would.

Proverbs 14:17
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

Another attribute that sets the foolish man apart is that he is easily angered. You know, the Bible tells us that we should be "slow to anger." It should never be said of a Christian that they carry a chip on their shoulder, or carry their feelings on their sleeve. I'm not saying that you should expect to never get angry again once you get saved. Jesus got angry, but it was at sin. It should be very difficult to get us angry.

So, I would encourage you to first, look at your own life and make sure you are not exuding characteristics of a foolish man, Then watch the people you hang out with. If they are showing these characteristics, you might mention it to them. If they change, then good. If not, according to the Bible, this is not someone you should hang out with.

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