How To Choose Wise Friends

Pastor Collins Sakalunda, preaching from Proverbs 13:20 under the theme “The Value of Friendship – Choosing Wise Companions,” reminded the congregation that friendship is not a social luxury but a spiritual necessity. The people we walk with shape who we are becoming, either drawing us closer to God or leading us away from Him. He explained that those who walk with the wise become wise because wisdom is contagious and grows through godly companionship. Walking with wise people means sharing values, purpose, and a fear of the Lord, placing ourselves in an environment where His grace can work through others to build our character. In contrast, walking with fools brings harm, spiritual dullness, and misplaced priorities. Foolish companions take sin lightly, corrupt our hearts, and make us value acceptance over holiness—you can’t soar with eagles but run with chickens. Pastor Sakalunda emphasised that Jesus Christ is the perfect model of true friendship: faithful, honest, sacrificial, and devoted to helping us grow in godliness. A wise friend doesn’t just make you laugh; a wise friend asks wise questions and points you to the cross. He urged believers to evaluate their friendships and ask whether their circles lead them towards holiness or sin, to be the kind of friend they want to have by reflecting the fruit of the Spirit, and to intentionally build spiritual communities that encourage growth in Christ. He concluded by reminding everyone that friendships built on Christ are a means of grace and a reflection of godly wisdom, shaping us into the people God desires us to be.The African Christian University, founded by the Reformed Baptist Church Association of Zambia, aims to glorify God in the pursuit of truth. Through this mission, they inspire students to use their talents and education to transform their communities and foster cultural renewal in Africa.