Fools. Every team has them. Fools. Those who determine they have nothing left to learn, that the need nothing from those around them, that they have indeed cornered the market on knowledge and skill.

Fools. Those who refuse to listen to correction, who refuse to consider the consequences of their actions, who refuse to believe they do anything truly wrong.

Fools. They can ruin a team. You may not consider yourself foolish, but consider this: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20 NASB). You may not be a fool, but you can still be harmed by one. Sin and foolishness are never localized to an individual. Those who walk closely with a fool will be caught by his folly.

It may be on the field, in the locker room, at a party, or elsewhere, but foolishness will always catch up with a fool, and those who are close to him will suffer too.

Consider the converse, though. Those who associate themselves closely with wise people will naturally become wiser.

The choice is yours. Consider well your close associates and their influence on you. Choose wisely. The Lord has created you for more than to suffer harm with fools.

Dear Lord, reveal to me any foolishness in my life. I ask your forgiveness and count on your grace to make me a new person. Please surround me with wise people, so I can become like them. Amen.