Read Proverbs 1. Reflect on verse 5.
“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.”
Successful people know who to associate with, who to listen to, and whose advice to follow. A business partner once told me, “It’s as much who knows you as who you know that determines outcome.”
My partner was referring to the power of affiliation, and the principle applies universally. We assimilate the characters and attributes of those we spend time with. A Spanish proverb states, “Tell me who you run with, and I’ll tell you who you are.”
Perhaps as important, successful individuals are those who know who notto run with. They know whose advice notto follow. The proverb for today warns us of the dangers of negative association and rejecting wise counsel. It ends by stating that those who listen to divine prompting will dwell safely and be quiet from fear of evil. I want to live protected from terror and turmoil. Don’t we all? Especially when the news media reminds us of violence often too close to our borders.
These days we hear myriad voices. Technology has made information more available than ever. But all information is not helpful, and all advice is not beneficial. How do we discern and filter the noise to obtain the wisdom we need?
First, we ask God to help us determine our personal identity, our purpose, and our direction in life. This process requires time and effort. Then we seek positive guides. We ask God to place people in our lives who will help us to reach our goals. We seek qualified leaders, teachers, and friends. We ask experts in our areas of interest for insight and perspective, and find and invest in good mentors. We obtain media resources on subjects we should learn about. And we read biographies of past and present icons successful in the same or similar fields.
The law of association reminds us to focus on what we should be pursuing, the people we should be spending time with, and the voices we should be listening to. If we choose the right associations, we will not have time in our schedules for associations that are not constructive. As believers, we can be alert to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He leads and guides us.1
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for showing me Your direction for my life, family, finances, career, business, and legacy. Holy Spirit, fill my heart with Your counsel and understanding, so I may wisely apply the law of association.
“I will become like those whom I chose to be with.” —David R. Lockwood
David Lockwood 