You’ve probably heard the expression, “Birds of a feather flock together.” (This proverb dates back to the mid-16th century.) Robins flock with robins, crows with crows, cranes with cranes, and so on. When applied to people, the phrase implies that those with similar values and interests tend to be drawn to each other and influence each other in both positive and negative ways.

Choosing friends is among the most important choices we will make. Because of the close connection between people in friendship, friends often become like each other. Friends can help you grow to become a better person, or they can bring you down. They can influence you to grow in your relationship with Christ, or they can pull you toward sin. Friends can encourage you to make right choices, or they can influence you to do wrong.

God knows how important and how influential friendship is. That’s why He gave us some definite guidelines for choosing friends wisely. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, He warns us about spending time with the wrong kind of people: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Teach your children how to choose friends that share their values and love for the Lord—friends who have good character traits, make wise choices, are respectful to adults, and who challenge others to do what’s right. Encourage them to surround themselves with people who will be a positive influence in their lives and who they in turn can influence in positive ways. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV).