1 Samuel 10:27, "But there were some scoundrels who complained, 'How can this man save us?' And they scorned him and refused to bring him gifts. But Saul ignored them." Proverbs 13:20, "Be friends with those who are wise, and you will become wise."

Think

It's hard to find a neighborhood where we don't hear dogs barking. Whether it's day or night, there are always canine companions ready to welcome us into their "territory." Have you ever wondered why they're barking? It's because you are headed somewhere and they are stuck! They long to be where you are, but they can only watch and bark. Has anyone been barking at you lately? Criticism. Negativity. Gossip. We have to decide: will we stop and listen or will we keep walking? We all have dogs in our life that will bark anytime we walk by, but one of the good things Saul did here is he ignored them. Don't stop to pet the barking dogs, just keep heading where God wants you to go. Instead of spending time around scoundrels, spend more time surrounding yourself with wise people who will be the right kind of friends. The Bible makes it pretty clear: Do you want to be wise? Surround yourself with wise friends!

Act

Make a list of the top ten people you hang out with. Now go back through that list and identify which ones are wise and which ones are dogs barking at your journey. Reach out to one of the wise friends and schedule some time to hang out this week!

Pray

Thank you, God for such practical insight and wisdom in your Word! Help me to identify the people who are wise in my life and to be intentional about surrounding myself with more people like that. Give me the courage to also distance myself from those dog relationships that are distracting and discouraging me from the journey you have for me! I give my relationships over to you - help me do relationships your way! In Jesus' name, Amen!