Thought for the Day

Angry people are always stirring up trouble. Today's verses warn that if we associate with an angry man, we will learn to think and act as he does. An angry mob starts by someone getting mad about an issue, and then inciting others to take up their offences. A man given to anger vents his feelings through angry words (from swearing to verbal abuse) and violent actions (from breaking things to hurting people), or both. His ways are foolish, for he speaks and acts rashly. He is unstable; no one knows when his anger will be kindled next. His ways encourage selfishness, pride, impatience, irritability, and lack of self-control. Once established, these patterns are hard to break. Many evil consequences are reaped from them, including bringing curses on himself from things he says in anger; gaining a bad reputation; and damaged relationships with his loved ones.

For this reason, friendship or even casual association with a person given to anger (or any other sin), is harmful. This does not mean that when we come in contact with sinners we should become cold and aloof or isolate ourselves from them. It simply means that we should not form relationships with them. Children are especially prone to the influence of others. Parents should warn their children to choose their friends very carefully, and be aware of who they "hang out" with. We all ought to choose friends, and especially spouses, carefully, and pay attention to whom they associate with. "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed" (Proverbs 13:20).

To grow spiritually, we need the company of those who are walking in the spirit. We should not befriend people simply because they are intelligent or even because they attend many church meetings. We should look for those who know and practice God's Word. These are industrious, godly Christians walking with the Lord and growing in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not carnal, smug, or pleasure-seeking people who only profess to be Christians.

Scripture instructs us not to be yoked in marriage, friendship, or business with unbelievers. We must choose our relationships wisely. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you" (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).