Saturday - Proverbs 24 - Interpersonal Connections

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wide range of counsel is given here concerning how (and with whom) you and I should interact socially and in business.  Solomon begins by warning us not only to avoid following the wrong crowd, but he even cautions against wishing to be included in their circles (Proverbs 24:1).  In the words of Jesus and John, loving this world and its ways is not for us (John 15:19 & 1^st John 2:15).  Instead of companying with worldly influences, Solomon directs us to find wise counselors, and many of them at that (Proverbs 24:6).

Of course, more important than finding good friends is simply the call to be a good friend.  Proverbs 24:9 speaks plainly about the negative impact of a critical spirit.  Reaching out with compassion toward those who are in despair: this is our assignment. We are never to ignore them and certainly we’re not to push them even further down than they already are (Proverbs 24:11 & 12).

Now, we can choose to follow some people, or not.  And there are others with whom we may surround ourselves, or not.  But how about people who are under our influence or authority?  And, what if there are folks who are seriously opposed to us?  How are we supposed to act toward them?  Proverbs 24:15 & 16 warns us severely about the dangers of opposing men who are righteous.  In fact, a bad attitude even toward unrighteous men can get us into considerable trouble (Proverbs 24:17 - 19).