1148) When I was growing up, we lived for a time in a neighborhood that was filled with kids. I remember that all of us would get together regularly and do all kinds of things. These included bicycle races, ramp jumping, firecracker igniting, obstacle course running, football playing, and more. If these things seem innocent enough, you didn’t know us very well.

We always had to add to these activities to make them more interesting, challenging, and even more dangerous. Honestly, I don’t know how we came through those years without serious injury.

One thing I know is that the group encouraged this careless behavior. Individually, I’m not sure we would have cooked up all our schemes, which illustrates that we really should consider who we spend time with.

Many times, parents urge their teens to choose their friends wisely because they are so influenced by their peers. As adults, we still need to heed this advice. In fact, the Bible says it’s wise.

Others do influence us. Proverbs 13:12