The old man would answer, "What kind of people live in the place where you came from?" If the travelers answered, "Only bad people live in the place where we came from," the old man would reply, "Continue on; you will find only bad people here."
But if the travelers answered, "Good people live in the place where we came from," then the old man would say, "Enter, for here too, you will find only good people."
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He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harms.
- Proverbs 13:20
The results we reap from our companionships will correspond with the choice we make. The very choice of the spiritually right, and good is an evidence of wisdom at the start. In such fellowship a right and God-pleasing character is built up even in the midst of hard times. The companion of the frivolous and the wicked soon learn their ways, and become conformed to their character which leads to personal destruction. Proper company contributes to safety and growth. The point cannot be missed: examine who is influencing you; one's companions can make all the difference in one's life.
How does one grow wise? By seeking out the company of wise people, and by talking with them, often and continuously.
We are left free to choose our companions from among the wise and the fools, but we are not without guidance. We have reason, and conscience, and the Word and Spirit of God.
