This picture is a year old, if not two. It was made at a Publishing Company’s on-site Bookstore. A plethora of mostly Christian authors, their books, lined the walls. This week, the Lord willing, I’ll get to visit this establishment again. I often say that entering such a place is like stepping into a potential “gold mine.” Now let me try to explain what I mean …

Today’s Bible Lesson …

It’s only a part of the whole verse, Proverbs 13:20, but it’s powerful: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise.” So said King Solomon many years ago.

Be careful whom you choose as friends, companions!

Now the rest of the verse and you’ll see “why” I caution you. “But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

Paul later added to the conversation: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33

By now you may be wondering … “What all this has to do with a bookstore?”

These, at a different location, are nearly all paperback and all used. Only a dollar or two each as well!

As I enter such places (bookstores) I hear “voices!”

Most of them long dead, “with the Lord” for many years.

And, via their writings, I can again let them “teach” me.

“Lecture” me, even “encourage, warn, advise,” and “preach” to me … all those verbs apply!

Yes, I can buy a book and (upon reading it) “walk with a wise Christian” for hours and hours!

Even authors still living, though teaching the Bible in some distant location, can become by “tutors.”

Oh, by the way, and maybe BEST OF ALL … I can let Paul the Apostle disciple me … via the Books he left behind, the Epistles of the New Testament!

Next time you enter a bookstore, be a little quieter.

Listen, then quote … “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Proverbs 11:30

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

If the Lesson is a blessing in some way, let me know. Text me at 770-844-7627.