Walking with the Wise
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” — Proverbs 13:20
In a world that celebrates knowledge, achievement, and personal success, the book of Proverbs suggests a simple path to wisdom: walk with wise people.
At first glance, that sounds straightforward. Spend time with wise people, and wisdom will naturally rub off on you. But Proverbs points to something deeper than proximity. It requires the willingness to go on a journey, embody a posture of humility, and maintain a willingness to be shaped by others and ultimately by God.
Why Pursue Wisdom?
When God appeared to Solomon and invited him to ask for anything, Solomon did not request wealth, power, or military success. Instead, he asked for wisdom.
“Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” (1 Kings 3:9)
Why?
Because Solomon understood that leadership requires wisdom.
Many of us may not consider ourselves leaders, yet every follower of Jesus has influence. We shape the lives of family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and fellow believers. We are called to help build God’s Kingdom and point others toward Christ.
If we want to lead well, wisdom is not optional—it is essential.
Recognizing True Wisdom
One of the challenges we face is distinguishing wisdom from mere intelligence.
Knowledge and wisdom are not the same thing.
A person may possess tremendous knowledge and still make foolish decisions. Wisdom involves knowing how to apply truth in a particular situation. Biblical wisdom goes even further—it reflects God’s character and heart.
There is also a difference between godly wisdom and simple cleverness. Some people are shrewd, strategic, and persuasive, but that does not necessarily mean they are wise in a biblical sense.
When looking for wise people to learn from, consider:
- How do they handle conflict?
- Are they humble and teachable?
- Do they treat others with grace?
- Do their actions align with God’s values?
- Are their relationships healthy and life-giving?
Wisdom is often revealed not in extraordinary moments, but in everyday decisions.
The significance of “Walking”
Proverbs could have used many other images for this process of growing in wisdom. It could have said “study with the wise” or “listen to the wise.” Instead, it says to walk with them.
Walking suggests:
- A shared journey
- Consistent presence
- A common direction
- Patience and intentionality
Walking also indicates a process that is unhurried.
This imagery brings to mind the journey Jesus went on with His disciples.
Jesus Walked With His Followers
Much of Jesus’ ministry happened on the road.
As he traveled from village to village, he taught, corrected, encouraged, challenged, and transformed His disciples. The miracles often happened while he was on the move. The disciples learned not only from his sermons but also from observing how he interacted with people, handled opposition, and responded to suffering.
That remains true today. Some of our deepest growth happens not through formal instruction but through simply walking alongside mature believers and watching how they live.
One of the most remarkable stories of walking with Jesus, comes after his resurrection.
In Luke 24, two discouraged disciples are walking to Emmaus. They are confused, grieving, and struggling to understand what has happened.
Jesus joins them on the road, though they do not recognize Him.
Rather than immediately revealing Himself, He walks with them and ends up explaining who is through the words of the prophets and scriptures.
Only later do they realize who He is, and as their eyes are opened they say:
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road?”
Maybe you have had similar moments where your heart was on fire. Where revelation was so clear and profound that it felt like you were lighting up. Take time to celebrate those moments and also to share them with others!
From the story we are reminded of two important truths about wisdom.
1. Wisdom Takes Time
Jesus was not in a hurry.
Although the resurrection had changed everything, He chose to spend time walking with these disciples. Their understanding did not come instantly.
Wisdom often develops more slowly than we expect.
We frequently want quick answers and immediate clarity. Yet God often teaches through a process rather than a moment. Growth requires patience, trust, and a willingness to move at God’s pace.
2. Understanding Often Comes Later
The disciples did not fully grasp what was happening while they were experiencing it.
Only afterward did they recognize the significance of the journey.
Many of us can relate.
We look back on difficult seasons and suddenly see how God was present. We recognize lessons we couldn’t understand at the time. Moments that once seemed ordinary reveal themselves as deeply formative.
Wisdom frequently grows through reflection.
Wisdom Is a Community Project
One of God’s gifts to His people is that He rarely teaches us in isolation.
He teaches us through relationships.
The church is not simply a gathering of individuals pursuing God independently. It is a community where wisdom is shared, modeled, and passed from one generation to the next.
Some of us are currently in a season of receiving wisdom.
Others are in a season of giving it away.
Hopefully most of us are doing both.
A Challenge for This Week
Take a moment to consider where you are on your own journey.
- Who are the wise people God has placed in your life?
- Are you intentionally learning from them?
- Is there someone younger in the faith who could benefit from your experience?
- What step could you take this week to deepen a meaningful spiritual relationship?
Consider reaching out to someone you respect spiritually. Invite them for coffee. Ask questions. Share what God has been teaching you. Listen carefully.
As we walk together—learning from one another and following Christ—we grow not only in wisdom, but also in our effectiveness, our relationships, and our ability to reflect God’s heart to the world.
Walk with the wise, and become wise. The invitation remains open.