Proverbs 2:12-15 “Wisdom Blessing #3: Protection from the Evil Man”

(12) To deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things,  (13) from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness;  (14) who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked;  (15) whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths. 


The first two blessings of wisdom are knowing God & discernment for living. Wisdom now provides its third blessing: protection from evil men and their perverse paths. If the young man has heeded his fathers exhortation to learn wisdom, when the wicked, perverse man comes, the wisdom the young man has stored up will recognize the wicked man and guide the son away.

Who is this wicked man? When you read this, you may picture a hunched over, gangly, old man. I don’t think that is who this wise father is warning his son about. The son is young and is making friends. The wise father is most likely warning his son to be careful of his peers, those who are his own age. Those are the ones he is most likely to be tempted by. They pose the greatest danger as the young man begins to make friends that will influence the course of his life. Wicked men don't come with a warning sign around their neck stating that they are wicked, will ruin your life, and you need to avoid them. They come, sound enticing, and offer fun. However, wisdom learned in earlier times will send the warning so that you are not lured away. These are the type of young men that you must avoid and not associate with. This is one of the ways wisdom will preserve you (see v. 11).
These are the wicked men that come and offer their version of ‘fun.’ This ‘fun’ is at the expense of others. Their speech is wicked, a sure indication of what is in their heart. These wicked men have no interest in walking rightly, only in darkness. The delight in doing evil and in the perversity of others. They follow the path that leads to destruction. They have no interest in or fear of the Lord. They enjoy their wickedness and desire to bring others to join  their wickedness. Their paths are in direct contrast to the right paths wisdom will guide you in (see v. 9).
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Related Scriptures: Acts 20:30
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Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” - 1 Corinthians 15:33

Proverbs 27:17 "A litmus test for good friendships"

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

This verse is a litmus test for good friendships. Friendships are usually developed haphazardly from being placed in the same proximity with another person over a period of time. A good friendship will sharpen both people and they will be the better for it. If the other person does not improve you or exhort you to Christlikeness, be wary of spending to much time with them. We should no doubt seek to save their soul with the gospel and exhort them to Christian living, but we must reserve our true friendships to those who exhort us to uphold Biblical standards.

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Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation. – George Washington

Proverbs 18:3 “Companions of Wickedness”

“When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, and with dishonor comes reproach.”

If you take company with a wicked man, you should expect a visit from his three companions: Contempt, Dishonor, and Reproach. Entertaining Mr. Wickedness will result is the greatest of misery for the Christian as he will force his trio of wicked friends upon you in an attempt to turn you from your First Love. The wise man will make no provision for Mr. Wickedness. Indeed, the wise man will flee when he sees Wickedness approaching and praise God for deliverance.

One thing we can learn from Mr. Wickedness is that, while his friends make the most horrid friends, those he hates are the most noble of friends. I highly recommend that you make their acquaintance. Some of Mr. Wickedness’ enemies include Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Perseverance and Gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11)

Remember to always choose your friends carefully.

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Related Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:22

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The wicked come in a variety of categories. Look at the different categories of wicked people in Matthew 27:39-44.

And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads  and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”

In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God; Let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words. 

Proverbs 9:6 “Forsake Foolish Friends”

“Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.”

Wisdom has prepared a set a table and prepared a place for you to come, sit, learn, and become wise, but there is a price of admission. You must separate from the wicked, from the foolish. No conversations, no fellowship. How can you become wise if you cling to the foolish? Their ways are death, and we are called to live. Next we must ‘go in the way of understanding.’ It is not enough to forsake the foolish. You must choose the path of wisdom. Don’t just forsake the foolish, walk in the way with the wise.

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Related Scriptures: Proverbs 4:14-15; 10:17; Psalm 119:115; Matthew 7:14-15; 2 Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 18:4

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“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” – Proverbs 13:20