(George Lawson, "A Practical Exposition of the Book of Proverbs" 1821)
"Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips." Proverbs 14:7
We must not willingly enter into the company of fools. But if, through ignorance of their character, we happen to do so--we must not stay in it, lest we be corrupted by their foolish conduct. We are either like those whose company we frequent--or shall soon be like them. Evil companionships will efface our impressions of the evil of sin, and corrupt our own morals and character.
Lukewarm professors, who are perhaps the least dangerous of bad companions, will, if we take pleasure in their company--transfuse their lukewarmness into us.
When are we to leave the company of a foolish man? As soon as we perceive that he has not the lips of knowledge. As trees are known by their fruit, so men are known by their words and works. But they are soonest known by their words, which are the most plentiful and the easiest products of the heart.
We are not to suppose men to be fools without evidence--but profane or foolish words come from folly in the heart. A godly man out of the good treasure of his heart, brings forth good things--but an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart, brings forth evil things.
This commandment should strike terror into the wicked! Since God will not allow His redeemed children to keep company with them on earth--it cannot be supposed that He will admit them to His own eternal home in Heaven. Either God or they must change--before they can be received into Heaven!
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