Some Sage Advice My Grandmother Gave Me

It’s been said that two of the most important decisions in life that a young person will ever make are (1) who their friends will be, and (2) who they will marry. Young people, simply stated, who your friends are will be the main factor in determining who you will marry.

When I was still in my teenage years, my grandmother gave me some sage advice that I’ll pass on to you regarding the bar and nightclub scene (or any other place of ill repute): “If you lie down with the dogs, you’ll rise up [get up] with the fleas” (source). The inspired writer Paul said the same thing using different terminology: “Be not deceived; evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33 ASV).

To prevent being deceived by evil companionships, Paul’s inspired advice is:

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16).

The answer to all of the above questions posed by the apostle Paul is “None.”

What’s the bottom line? The Lord provides the answer:

“Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord, Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you. I will be a father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).

Young people, choose your friends wisely, for they will play a great part in either your spiritual success or your spiritual demise as you walk down life‘s road. And speaking of that road, you would be well-advised to choose “the road less traveled“ (Matthew 7:14) because the other road only leads to a “dead end” (Matthew 7:13).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets