By Pr Isaiah White
There is a story that goes as follows:
Once, there was a boy named Naresh. His parents were highly educated and belonged to a distinguished family. Unfortunately, their only son—the apple of their eye—fell into bad company. He began gambling, smoking, and loitering aimlessly throughout the day. This caused his parents great distress. They constantly received complaints about Naresh’s behaviour, making them feel ashamed in every social circle. Even within their immediate neighbourhood, they found themselves lowering their heads in embarrassment. It was all because of Naresh. Frustrated and desperate, they resolved to reform him at all costs.
One day, Naresh’s father called him over and handed him a rotten apple. He instructed his son to place the decayed apple in a basket filled with fresh, healthy apples. Naresh did as he was told. A few days later, the basket was brought to the breakfast table. His father asked him to open it and cut each apple, one by one, with a knife. To Naresh’s astonishment, every single healthy apple had turned rotten. A foul stench emanated from the basket.
His father then said: “Look, Naresh! One rotten apple has spoiled all the good ones. Similarly, one bad influence can corrupt many good individuals.” Naresh learned a valuable lesson that day. He vowed to change his ways and become a better person. In time, he transformed and went on to become a highly respected officer.
Moral: Better to be alone than in bad company.
The Book of Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The characters in the story above were shaped by their environment. This verse emphasises the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who challenge, encourage, and refine us, just as iron sharpens iron.
Iron sharpening iron
To fully grasp the wisdom of Proverbs 27:17, it is essential to understand the metaphor it employs. The imagery of iron sharpening iron represents two strong objects interacting in a way that enhances both. When two pieces of iron are rubbed together, they remove each other’s dullness, resulting in a sharper edge. This process requires friction, effort, and intentionality. Similarly, meaningful friendships and relationships involve mutual growth, constructive challenges, and a willingness to refine one another.
Choosing friends who are morally upright, spiritually mature, and emotionally stable is crucial for personal development. Conversely, associating with negative influences can lead to one’s downfall.
Impact of company
The people we surround ourselves with have a profound effect on our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviour.
Proverbs 13:20 warns: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” This verse underscores the importance of intentionality in choosing our friends. If we associate with those who are wise, kind, and virtuous, we are likely to adopt those qualities. Conversely, if we keep company with those who are foolish, dishonest, or destructive, we risk being dragged down by their negative influence.
Choosing the right friends is not merely about avoiding harm; it is also about seeking relationships that bring out the best in us. A good friend encourages us to pursue our goals, challenges us to grow, and supports us in times of difficulty. They act as a mirror, reflecting our strengths and weaknesses with honesty and love. Such friendships are rare and precious, but they are worth the effort to cultivate.
There is an old adage: “Association breeds assimilation.” Just as a good friend can enhance your life, bad company will inevitably bring negativity. The Spirit of the Lord cautions us to be mindful of the company we keep.
VERSE OF THE MONTH
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Paul urges believers to actively support one another; emotionally, spiritually, and practically. This goes beyond mere sympathy; it calls for tangible empathy, whether through listening, helping in crises, or fervently praying for others. The “law of Christ” is love (Galatians 5:14). By sharing burdens, we reflect Jesus’ sacrificial love, fulfilling His command to “love your neighbour as yourself.”
Burdens are not meant to be carried alone. Isolation breeds despair, whereas communal care fosters resilience. It promotes selflessness, reminding us to prioritise others’ needs over our own. This reflects God’s design for interdependence—no one should struggle alone.
Bearing burdens requires humility, setting aside pride to offer or accept help. It is a reciprocal process; we give and receive, strengthening unity. While selflessness is key, discernment is also vital to avoid burnout. Serve generously, but rely on God’s strength, not your own.
This week, identify someone in need. Take action, offer a meal, a prayer, or simply a listening ear. In doing so, you embody Christ’s love, transforming lives and glorifying God.
