Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
Original Language Analysis
הלֹוֵ֣ךְ
He that walketh
H1980
הלֹוֵ֣ךְ
He that walketh
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 7
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וְרֹעֶ֖ה
but a companion
H7462
וְרֹעֶ֖ה
but a companion
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
5 of 7
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
Cross References
Proverbs 9:6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.Proverbs 15:31The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.Revelation 18:4And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.Psalms 119:63I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.Hebrews 10:24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:Malachi 3:16Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.Acts 2:42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.1 Kings 12:8But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:Proverbs 7:27Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.1 Kings 12:10And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.
Historical Context
Ancient cultures understood corporate identity and communal influence in ways modern individualism obscures. One's companions determined social standing, moral formation, and practical opportunities. Proverbs repeatedly warns about bad company (1:10-19, 22:24-25, 23:20-21) and commends wise association. Early Christianity's emphasis on church community and separation from the world reflects this wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are your closest companions, and are they making you wiser or foolish through their influence?
- What steps might you need to take to spend more time with wise, godly people and less with those who lead you toward folly?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb warns about the company we keep: 'He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.' The principle is relational influence—we become like those with whom we associate. 'Walketh with' (halak) implies ongoing companionship, regular fellowship, and shared journey. Wisdom is caught as well as taught; walking with wise people forms character through observation and imitation. Conversely, companionship with fools leads to destruction (ra'a—to be broken, shattered, harmed). This isn't merely practical advice but spiritual reality—community shapes us profoundly. Paul echoes this: 'evil communications corrupt good manners' (1 Corinthians 15:33).