Read Proverbs 22:16-29 "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go.  Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul." 

Without a doubt the people with whom we choose to associate influence what we become.  There are many factors that influence an individual, and this is a primary factor.  Every parent has told his/her child to be careful in choosing friends.  Why? Because of influence.  Psalm 1:1 reminds us about wrong associations, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."  The person in verse 24 is breathing mad or angry.  The word translated "angry" speaks of rapid breathing, nostril, and nose.  The word "furious" has the idea of heat, rage, and even poison.  Here in verse 24, we are forbidden from making friends with those who are angry and furious.  The danger is that you could be brought low into their bitterness and anger.

Dr. David Sorenson states in "Understanding the Bible" the following:  "Beware of associating with an angry and infuriated man. He will quickly drag you into his bitterness and anger. Verse 25, Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. Mobs are usually formed by angry people.  Once caught up in a mob mentality, all manner of violence and evil takes place. Though a Christian is not a likely participant in a street mob, he can be easily influenced by another rebellious, bitter, and carnal Christian. Church trouble and church splits are usually instigated by a small core of angry and bitter people.  Beware of them!"

There is no need for you to tie your own noose, by hanging out with the wrong people.  Choose to associate with those who will lift you up and encourage you in your walk with the Lord.

Have a great day focusing upon these words.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  How is it that we become like those with whom we associate?

2.  Why are there people who live life angry or mad much of the time?

3.  How would you measure your overall anger?  Explain your answer.

4.  Who is one of the most upbeat joyful people you know?  Is it possible to be friends with this person?  How could this friendship improve you?