Have you heard the song (now considered a classic) “Bad Company” by the ‘70s rock group Bad Company? I remember turning up the volume dial on the car radio and rockin’ out to this tune. Well, this song came to my mind when I read Proverbs 22:24-25. It reads:
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” (NIV)
“Don’t be friends with people who become angry easily. Don’t stay around quick-tempered people. If you do, you may learn to be like them. Then you will have the same problems they do.” (ERV)
“Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious—don’t get infected.” (MSG)
Be smart about who you associate yourself with. These verses can pertain to a multitude of other characteristics traits of others.
We live in a world with a melting pot of personalities. That’s all good. But, be careful who you associate with and where you spend your time.
Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
If you are someone with a quick temper, pray! Give it up to God. I used to know/”associate with” someone who had a “hot-temper”. Whew…scary! But, praise God he’s changed. What happened? God got a hold of him. God can get a hold of you too, and transform you in to a kind and considerate person. Just think of the testimony you’d have. Precious!
Be a godly influence on others around you. Don’t get entangled with the dangerous web they’ve weaved.
Blessings and God’s abundant love to y’all.
September 17
