“We make friends, then friends make us. Our friends play a significant role in shaping our behaviors. They can make us better or worse, but they won't leave us unaffected. Think about that for a moment. The people you choose to surround yourself with are actively molding you, whether you realize it or not. This isn't just some feel-good, anecdotal observation. The scriptures and social science both speak to this point.” - Pastor Paul Crandell, 9/21/25

Day 1

Featured Verse: Proverbs 13:20 - “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

In what ways does the choice of companions influence one's relationship with God and moral decision-making?

How can the contrast between the "wise" and "fools" in this verse inform a Christian's approach to community and fellowship?

How might the "harm" mentioned in the verse relate to spiritual, emotional, or even eternal consequences?

Pause and Reflect: How can you intentionally seek out and build relationships with wise individuals to grow in your faith and avoid the harm that comes from associating with foolish companions?

“We are gainers by our godly friends, witnesses of their experience, sharers in their prayers, and partakers of their wisdom; and they that walk with wise men shall be wise. Men soon learn to talk like those with whom they converse; let them therefore choose their company well, and walk with the wise, whose instructions they will be the better for.” - Matthew Henry

“The companion of fools shall be destroyed; for as iron sharpeneth iron, so doth the face of a man his friend. But evil company doth corrupt good manners; fools make fools, and the society of the wicked doth harden the heart against God and goodness.” - William Greenhill

Day 2

Featured Verse: Proverbs 22:24-25 - “Make no friendship with a man given to anger.”

In what ways might associating with a "wrathful man" lead to adopting sinful behaviors, and how does this align with broader biblical teachings on sin and influence?

What does the imagery of a "snare" suggest about the spiritual dangers of keeping company with those who are prone to anger?

How might this passage inform a Christian’s approach to managing their own anger and cultivating virtues like patience and self-control?

Pause and Reflect: How can you evaluate your current friendships to ensure you are not being influenced by those with angry or wrathful tendencies, and what steps can you take to cultivate relationships that foster peace and godliness in your life?

“Make no friendship with an angry man; for his passions will provoke thee to anger, and thou wilt learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. Such a man’s company is contagious; his furious spirit kindles strife, and by associating with him, thou art in danger of imitating his evil courses, and so entangling thyself in sin and misery.” - John Gill

“For as one scabbed sheep infecteth the whole flock, so one wrathful companion maketh another like himself; his furious words and deeds are a trap to entangle thee in sin, and bring ruin upon thy soul.” - John Trapp

Day 3

Featured Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”

How does the metaphor of being "unequally yoked" shape a Christian’s understanding of relationships with unbelievers in various contexts, such as marriage, business, or friendships?

In what ways do the contrasts (righteousness vs. lawlessness, light vs. darkness, Christ vs. Belial) illustrate the theological incompatibility between a believer’s values and those of the world?

What does it mean practically for believers to "go out from their midst" and "be separate" in today’s cultural and social contexts while still engaging with the world?

Pause and Reflect: How can you discern whether your current relationships or partnerships align with the biblical call to avoid being unequally yoked with unbelievers, and what steps can you take to ensure your life reflects holiness?

“For 'what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?' There is no point of contact between them; they are contrary the one to the other, as oil and water will not blend. 'And what communion hath light with darkness?' The one dispels the other; they are mutually exclusive. 'And what concord hath Christ with Belial?'—that is, with worthlessness, the type of all godless life. 'Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?' No share in common possessions, no portion in the inheritance. 'And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?' The Christian soul is God's temple, and cannot hold converse with the gods of the heathen. Thus, in four vivid contrasts, the apostle enforces the exhortation to separation from the world.” - Alexander Maclaren

“This is an awful warning against marriage with the ungodly. Union with God's enemies will harm the holiest believer. If you marry a child of this world, depend upon it, you cannot both be happy. You have two treasures, and they will not mix well together. You have two purses, and the contents will not agree. You have two opinions, and there will be strife. You have two ways of life, and they will not run smoothly in the same path. You will find it like the union of the dove with the raven, the lamb with the wolf, the eagle with the owl. There will be nothing but misery in the end. The command is plain and unmistakable. Let no man deceive you by fair words and smooth arguments. Listen not to those who tell you that 'it does not matter' whether your husband or wife is converted or not. Think not that it is an unimportant thing whether you are 'equally yoked' or no. It is a matter of the most serious moment. Obey the warning. Make it a rule, like that of the old Puritans—never to marry any but a godly person, if you can possibly help it. Better be single all your days than marry an unbeliever.” - J.C. Ryle

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