2018 is coming real fast, and we all need to prepare for it. Part of the preparations we need to have is a list of things we will allow and won't allow in our lives. This should include the kinds of people that we won't give space to influence us in one way or another.
The Bible tells us that we should choose our friends wisely. We must be careful about the friends we choose because whether we like it or not, the friends we have influence us. 1 Corinthians 15:33 tells us that bad company corrupts good morals, and so we should be careful.
As a rule of thumb, we should stick to Psalm 1 which says,
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish."
This passage clearly tells us that when we are in the wrong company, the kind that influences us to do ungodly things, we will be regretting it. We should choose to surround ourselves with God-fearing people.
To help you choose the right kind of friends, here are some kinds of people you should avoid:
1) The wicked
Webster's dictionary says the wicked in Scripture are those "persons who live in sin; transgressors of the divine law; all who are unreconciled to God, unsanctified or impenitent." Seriously, you don't want to be in this kind of company.
Some wicked people appear righteous. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 tells us,
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works."
2) Those who gossip
Gossips are those who just can't stop their mouths from speaking things that will destroy others. They lie and deceive in order to get ahead of others. Consider the dangers a gossip brings, according to Proverbs 16:27-30:
"An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends. A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil."
3) Those who take advantage of others
There are some who befriend others in order to get benefits, freebies, status and other perceived bonuses. Such people may appear genuine and sincere, but in reality they are hypocrites who enjoy the benefits they get by associating themselves with certain people.
These people are easily spotted, because they are the type who will abandon their friends when better opportunities come. Think of Judas who sold his Master, the Lord Jesus, for thirty pieces of silver.
Such people get whatever they can from people they can fool. Job 6:27 says of these,
"Yes, you overwhelm the fatherless, and you undermine your friend."
