Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:26, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
American Standard Version
The righteous is a guide to his neighbor; But the way of the wicked causeth them to err.
World English Bible version
A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 12:26 Meaning & Commentary
One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26 (ESV)
The company that we keep is so very important. Whether we keep good or bad company, we can be sure it will influence us! Proverbs 12:26 highlights this truth very well. The Bible says that the righteous is a “guide to his neighbor,” but “the way of the wicked leads them astray.” This scripture contrasts the positive and negative impact people can have on others. A righteous person, friend, or mentor can lead someone the right way and “guide” them to where they should be going. This is why the Bible says that iron sharpens iron: Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. This means that one person sharpens another and challenges them to be better and do better.
We are not called to live life alone as Christians, but we are called to live in community and fellowship with one another. We cannot become all that God has made us to be living in isolation. In fact, The Bible warns us strongly against isolation, stating that if someone isolates themselves, they are serving their own desires: Proverbs 18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
As much as surrounding ourselves with people who can help us in life, surrounding ourselves with the wrong people can be detrimental: 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Although we may have a good “moral compass,” we can ruin our lives by keeping bad company.
The reason is that just as good company rubs off on us and challenges us to go higher and be better, bad company has the opposite effect! Bad company tempts us to compromise what we know to be right and good and to settle for a life of mediocrity! We can discern bad company from good company by what we are “inspired” to do! Are we inspired to become better people or to compromise?
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:26 to our lives?
We have free will to choose the people we spend time with. When we are convinced of the impact people around us have on our lives, we need to ask God for wisdom and discernment to surround ourselves with people who improve our lives. The Bible tells us not to follow the ways or paths of sinners, who entice us to do evil: Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. However, what is even wiser than not doing what evil people entice us to do is not even keeping company with them!
We understand that we are called to reach others with the gospel of Jesus Christ, but there is a very distinct difference between that and having close friends who are unbelievers. We need to be part of a healthy Church where we can connect with like-minded believers and grow: Hebrews 10:25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. When we surround ourselves with people who are walking with God, we are inspired to walk with God, as they do: 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Paul the Apostle inspired those who followed him and observed his manner of life. He could confidently ask people to follow his way of life, knowing he was following Jesus Christ!
We can also find protection and safety in a Christian community when other believers surround us: Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. We need to be in a Christian community and find at least one or two mentors who can walk a close road with us and help us through life!
Prayer
Mighty God, thank You for the fellow believers in my life. I ask for wisdom and discernment in my relationships and pray that you connect me with the right people who can guide and mentor me in life.
Help me avoid all forms of wickedness and temptation to do evil. I desire to walk blamelessly in a way that pleases you. I pray and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
