Keep Good Companions

הוֹלֵךְ אֶת חֲכָמִים יֶחְכָּם וְרֹעֶה כְסִילִים יֵרוֹעַ

The one who walks with the wise shall be wise; but the companion of fools will look like them.

Proverb 13:20

Conversation must be meaningful, not mean neither foolish. In this Age of Internet, this international telecommunication network is often misused for meaningless chats. Perhaps, in the attemp to escape the tyrany of loneliness and its pain, a person could fine herself or himself at the service of the slander. We must avoid the company of those who gossip. Regardless of who he or she may be. Such a person could be a beloved relative. Of course, always show love, respect and compassion to that person, but avoid his or her friendship. No, do not become enemies, but do not welcome neither entertain their conversation as you would do with true friends. Because a person who gossips is not a friend of anyone. It is very easy to become like them. They are bad influence in your life. If you see that this type of person is not open to change and to listen to wise counsel, avoid them. If they are relatives, feel free to stop any gossiping that starts around the dinner table during a family reunion. It does not matter who starts the gossip. A comment like: "That may not stand before a court of law" could be enough to stop the gossip or the foolish conversation. Meaningless conversations often lead to sinful behaviour or foolish words. Feel up your mind, your intellect, with those things that are beautiful, full of honour, and good thoughts. Then your speech will be a blessing and your days full of joy. Of course, when you stand for what is right, unfortunately those slanders et al. may attempt to take away your peace.
Surround yourself with those who are wise. Grow each day in the knowledge of the LORD, and you will become full of wisdom and understanding. It is written (Psalm 1:1_2):

אַשְׁרֵי הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר לֹא הָלַךְ בַּעֲצַת רְשָׁעִים וּבְדֶרֶךְ חַטָּאִים לֹא עָמָד    וּבְמוֹשַׁב לֵצִים לֹא יָשָׁב כִּי אִם בְּתוֹרַת יי חֶפְצוֹ   וּבְתוֹרָתוֹ יֶהְגֶּה יוֹמָם וָלָיְלָה

Happy is the one that did not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stood in the way of sinners, neither sat in the seat of the scoffers, rather delights in the instruction of the LORD; and in GOD's law will meditate day and night. שבת שלום ומבורך