Together in Christ: 'Why Listen to Them?' — Proverbs 10:32

Consider the shows and movies you watch. Think back over the groups of people with whom you associate. Consider the folks with whom you share special events and outings. Are these godly people who speak helpful words, or do they speak words that are launched from a wicked, ungodly, sinful, or deceived heart? Are the words you choose to hear insightful or perverse, helpful or destructive?

We sometimes forget that ungodly, crude, crass, selfish, and immoral people pollute and pervert the good in our hearts. We should make every effort to avoid such influences, but that is not always possible, so we must filter what is said and done through the relationship truth in today's proverb. Let's not fool ourselves into tolerating the avalanche of improper morals, twisted thinking, and selfish greed behind much of what we see and hear. ^[1] We need strong brothers and sisters in Christ who will help us be "in this world" to bless it and redeem it, but "not belong to the world!" ^[2] We want to bless our lost friends with Jesus but not be corrupted by the world and its warped point of view. We are called to impact the sinful and marginalized with grace but not be sucked down into the morass of our sinful worldly culture that is temporary and destructive. ^[3] We must not lose our connection to loyal, loving, and encouraging friends who can build up our faith yet also confront us when we go off the right path. ^[4]

While we have friends in the world, we protect our hearts. We must be aware of the constant roar of the deceiver encased in the incessant noise and beguiling words intended to pull our hearts away from God and each other. Our bottom line as disciples is a proverb Paul referenced when writing to the Corinthians:

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." ^[5]

Why? Here again is our proverb for today on relationships!

The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.