OUR DAILY BREAD 29TH JULY 2026, WEDNESDAY ODB READING MESSAGE
The Company We Keep
Marvin Williams
KEY VERSE: Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Proverbs 13:14-20
TODAY’S INSIGHT
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings penned by several people. Today’s text comes from a portion of Scripture that King Solomon wrote. Tragically, the challenge was one that he himself failed to follow. He wrote, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Yet he’d surrounded himself with one thousand pagan wives and concubines (1 Kings 11:3), which was forbidden by God (v. 2), and they drew Solomon away from Him: “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites” (vv. 4-5). God desires instead that we surround ourselves with those who encourage us to love Him and others.
Read Our Daily Bread 29 July 2026 – MESSAGE
A scientific study revealed that watching TV programs featuring mean characters can actually lead people to be mean. Various forms of aggression—whether outright fighting or subtle gossip—primes viewers’ brains for similar behavior. This connection is often subconscious, meaning that even shows with seemingly “harmless” jokes at others’ expense can subtly influence how we treat others. So, too, the people we choose to spend our time with will affect our behavior.
Solomon provides timeless wisdom on this important subject: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). He implies that individuals may not achieve this wisdom alone, so they should associate with wise, God-honoring people—teachers and friends—instead of those who are foolish. Surrounding oneself with wise individuals fosters “good judgment” and helps us steer clear of “destruction” (v. 15). One scholar calls this “education by friendship.” Regular companions inevitably influence each other, for better or worse. Solomon urges us to be aware of the company we keep, recognizing that “the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life” (v. 14).
As God helps us, let’s consistently surround ourselves with people who will encourage us to revere Him, love others, and grow in wisdom.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Psalms 49-50; Romans 1
REFLECT: Why is it vital to learn from people who love others and act wisely? How can you encourage others to grow in love and wisdom?
PRAY: Loving God, thank You for the people who’ve taught me wisdom, kindness, and love.
Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread devotional for today audio our daily bread booklet.
