"You Become Who You Walk With"
INTRODUCTION
This Proverbs miniseries introduces a biblical view of relationships. We will focus on topics such as the formative power of relationships, the nature of friendship, how parents and children should relate to one another, how husbands and wives should relate to one another, and how we should relate to those in authority over us.
OPENING DISCUSSION
Jim Rohn, a motivational speaker and author, is often credited with saying, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." Who are the people who have influenced you most? And how have they specifically shaped the person you are today?
BIG IDEA
The wise person understands that relationships have the power to shape us for better or for worse. Therefore, they are careful and prudent in selecting their companions.
OPENING DISCUSSION
Jim Rohn, a motivational speaker and author, is often credited with saying, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." Who are the people who have influenced you most? And how have they specifically shaped the person you are today?
BIG IDEA
The wise person understands that relationships have the power to shape us for better or for worse. Therefore, they are careful and prudent in selecting their companions.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Read Proverbs 13:20. This Proverb highlights an important relational reality: that the company we choose will inevitably shape us for better or worse.
Read Proverbs 22:24-25. This Proverb warns us not to befriend people who will influence us negatively.
Read Proverbs 27:17. This Proverb focuses on the positive shaping effects of good relationships.
- Why do you think our choice of friends has such a powerful impact on our lives?
- The second half of the verse warns that "a companion of fools suffers harm." What does it mean to be a 'companion of fools,' and how can we discern when a relationship is leading us toward harm?
Read Proverbs 22:24-25. This Proverb warns us not to befriend people who will influence us negatively.
- Why do you think Proverbs warns explicitly against associating with hot-tempered people? How can their anger impact our own behavior and decision-making?
- Jesus' enemies called him a "friend of sinners" because he spent time with society's moral outcasts. However, this Proverb warns against befriending certain kinds of people. How can we reconcile Jesus' example of “befriending” sinners with the Bible's caution about the influence of bad company?
Read Proverbs 27:17. This Proverb focuses on the positive shaping effects of good relationships.
- How does the image of iron sharpening iron inform how we understand healthy Christian relationships?
- Do you currently have an older and wiser Christian in your life who “sharpens” you and helps you more faithfully follow Jesus? Why is that person’s friendship so influential in your life?