Ensnared Or Enriched

​Love you all, praying for you,
 
I just love Gods Word.  No matter how awkward, or uncomfortably direct.  I love that it tells you the truth, and it even gives you a template and structure for it.  It doesn’t have to use every word in the English language, to cover every possible variation or situation or nuance.  It tells you the principle – it’s your job to apply it across the board.  Proverbs 22:24-25 – Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.  This is not about anger management.  Do not associate with anyone who is not Godly, who does not have the Fear of the LORD as their first priority.  Do not associate with a prideful man – God opposes them, their fall is soon coming. (Pr 16:18)  Do not associate with a greedy man, eager to get rich – they are unaware that poverty awaits them. (Pr 28:22)  Do not associate with a lustful man – they are slaves. (Romans 6:16)  Do not associate with a complainer (a negative man, a grumbling man), it displeases the LORD and will shorten their life. (Num 17:10)  What they complain about like what they fear will always find them, they will never rise above it.  Do not associate with a fearful man, they are paralyzed, disobedient. (Isa 41:1)  Do not associate with a slanderous man, who constantly speaks ill of others, God hates it. (Pr 6:19) Do not associate with a lazy man, they are destined for poverty. (Pr 10:4)  The ways of all of these – will ensnare you just as much as the way of a man who is easily angered – better to control your temper than to take a city. (Pr 16:32) Do not associate with those who are ensnared by sin.  Or you too will be ensnared by what ensnares them.  No one is perfect, but you can tell those who are obeyers and those who are not.  Who you associate with – you will become like.  If they do not seek after the fear of the LORD, if they do not seek to walk with God, hear his voice, and fully obey.  You will become ensnared by what ensnares them.   Don’t focus on who not to associate with, just something to be aware of.   Instead seek out these men (or women, if you are a woman) to associate with.  Associate with a humble man – God will exalt them. (James 4:10)  If they’re not humble, it doesn’t matter what else they are.  Associate with a diligent man, they will prosper. (Pr 10:4)  Associate with a giver, a generous man – for much more is coming to them.  (Pr 11:25)  Associate with a kind man – they lend to the LORD, and He will repay them.  (Pr 19:17)  Associate with a pure man – they will see God.  (Mt 5:8)  Associate with a man who is faithful to his wife, and children.  They will leave a legacy.  Associate with a man who fears God, who obeys in this hour – they are not fearing God for nothing.   Associate with a faith-filled man whose words are faith and belief, and hope, and eternal destiny – this pleases God. (Heb 11:6) -  Associate with a joyful man – they have the strength of the LORD. (Neh 8:10)  Associate with a kingdom-minded man whose ambition is to win souls, not money or fame.  They are wise. (Pr 11:30)  And you will learn his ways, and become like him, you’ll be enriched by what enriches him, you will sharpen each other, and strengthen one another, and overcome together.  Even the world knows you are your four closest friends.  Choose wisely, choose for eternity.  Praying that you will run after God with those who seek Him with all of their heart. 
 
Love you all,
dad