“Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 14:7)
It has been well said that you will be a reflection of the five people you spend the majority of your time with. Who do you spend your time with? If you roll with the pigs you are going to stink and if you sleep with the dogs you will have flees.
“Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.” This is self defense. If you want to be poor hang out with poor people. You will think about work and money like poor people. If you want to be a snob hang out with snobs. You will learn to look down on you “inferiors”.
This has nothing to do with being unwilling to be friendly with people who are different, who need to hear the gospel. Jesus hung out with the “sinners” and was ridiculed by the arrogant. But we are talking about two different situations – self defense, and ministry. Actually, this is self defense so that you are able to withstand the onslaught of the world as you minister.
If you want to be healthy hang out with people who eat right and who avoid unhealthy habits. If you want to be wise quit hanging around with fools. If you want to be godly?
I’m afraid, if you are arguing with me right now, that you do see the difference and don’t want to heed the Bible’s warning, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20, ESV)