WWW: Walk With the Wise!

Proverbs 13:20 tells us “He who walks with the wise will become wise”

So today I would like to encourage you to “walk with the wise”. What does it mean to “walk with the wise”. Going for a stroll in the park? Why not. But I believe “walk” includes more than using your legs to put one foot in front of the other. More than walking, it means spending time with, listening to, observing, and learning from the wise. Do this, and you will gradually assimilate their knowledge, their behavior, their wisdom. (but beware, this also works in reverse when you spend time with fools).
How do I do this? Ok, admittedly, not all of us have free access to a vast pool of wise people all around us (some are more fortunate than others in that regard). You of course can make an effort to seek out a wise person you might learn from in your surroundings (church, work, school etc.), but even if you don’t think you can find someone like that (or you can’t yet pluck up the courage to do so), you can learn from the wise in various ways: read, watch, and listen.
There is plenty literature out there with words from the wise just waiting for you to tap in and absorb the wisdom. I’ve started reading and I can tell you that it’s been an amazing blessing. Recent highlights include
- “Confessions of a Pastor” Craig Groeschel
- “The 21 Indespensable Qualities of a Leader” John Maxwell
- “Chazown” Craig Groeschel
- “I’m Proud of You” Tim Madigan
- “Calvin and Hobbes – It’s a magical world” Bill Watterson
I would recommend the above to any and everyone. In addition to that, I’ve picked up a subscribtion to a magazine that has begun to change my outlook on life and give me all kinds of new ideas. Another read that I would highly recommend to anyone:
- “SUCCESS Magazine”
The magazine is about success in life, not just one area, but a roundabout approach: finances, health, and relationships. It’s filled with encouraging articles about people who made it (despite the odds), and interviews with people who’ve lived a successful life (one of the guys who has most impressed me is Paul J. Meyer).
Of course, if you’re looking for wisdom, there is one important source you’ll have to tap into; yes, that’s right:
- “The Bible”
Irrefutable, indispensable,  indescribable, incredible (yet absolutely credible), undeniable: the Word of God.

Ok, so we’ve covered reading, but what if I don’t like to read? What if I (think I) don’t have the time to read? What if I can’t find those books in my local bookstore? My friend, there’s a solution for you! A wonderful little thing called “podcasts”. They’re free, they’re available, and they’re waiting for you to download them.
I just did a little browsing and found some great material that should definitely get you going. Here are a some to check out:
- lifechruch.tv (Message Series: Audio)
- “Inspiring Words of Encouragement” (Zig Ziglar)
- “The Leadership Moment Podcast” (1min podcasts, for those who claim they don’t have time…)
- “Maximum Impact Podcast” (you’ll have to weave through the blah of the hosts)
- “The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership” (John Maxwell)
…just to name a few.

Just reading or listening doesn’t do it for you? Well, for you, too, there’s hope. Observe. Watch those people you think highly of. What are they doing that you would like to do? What are they doing that makes them successful in life? Watch them interact with other people. Observe how they tackle tasks/assignments.
Don’t think you have anyone you can watch or observe? Alright, we’re back to podcasts – because guess what: there’s video podcasts! For that TV generation out there Just watch and let it sink in.

So here’s for today: if you want to be wise, “walk with the wise” !

(please feel free to leave any comments, questions, or suggestions)