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Day 12 Proverbs 4:14-19 Proverbs 4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. It always amazed me as a child that my parents knew who the disreputable kids were in town and always cautioned us to stay away from them or we would turn out just like them. They also said their parents were no better. Then I became a parent and I saw the kinds of kids my children hung around with and warned them to stay away from certain people because they were only trouble. Solomon also warned his children to stay away from people who were only bent on getting in trouble and harming other people. He wanted the best for his children and he wanted them to grow up with a reputation of honor not dishonor. He explained the kind of activities they engaged in and to keep as far away from those activities as possible. It’s not hard to tell the good kids from the bad. Those who excel in academics and sports are usually on the good side, and those who were always in detention are on the bad side. They are the bullies, always in trouble with the law, and grow up engaging in the same activities they did as children. As Christians, we are to be aware of those around us at all times. The Holy Spirit gives us the gift of discernment regarding people, and when we feel that alarm go off in our spirit we are to walk away without a backward glance. Satan will put people in our path who seem good with good intentions, but there is always something about them that doesn’t sit right and we are to trust God. It isn’t always easy. We will get into trouble and we will need to extricate ourselves from it, but God will lead us out if we ask. Solomon said the way of the just is as a shining light. God’s Word is our shining light. Jesus our Savior is the light of the world. When we put our faith and trust in God and Jesus, his Son, we will always walk the path leading to eternal life. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit who helps me discern who is a good friend and who isn’t. Help me look to you when Satan comes at me with people designed only for my hurt and not my good. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 18 September 2016 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay