September 18, 2026 -- I John 4:1; Proverbs 1:8-33 -- Good, godly advice

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – I John 4:1 

Scripture reading: Proverbs 1:8-33

Who is your go-to person who has the right to call you out if you are straying from the right path? An East to West mentoring relationship allows you to ask your accountability partner personal questions about how you are conducting yourself in your marriage. What about those who are seeking accountability but are not married? Then the accountability partner should ask how are you cultivating godly friendships?

In Proverbs, the godly father and mother train their children to forsake wicked counsel. As easily as you breathe in air, so it is to hear the wicked plan to ambush righteous men and to violate honourable women. One is greedy for unjust gain if not rooted in Christ. All around you, ordinary people live, work, and study. By their invitations, sly or overt, they will pressure you to join them, or compromise your godly principles. This is why a child who grows up in a Christian home, having reached maturity, must seriously evaluate who his friends are.

A godly man, or woman, may indeed have non-Christian friends, but the friends whose counsel they accept and implement must be from fellow Christians. So, it is critical for Christians to ask one another, who is your closest friend? Who can you call at midnight, when you are facing an impossible choice? Who will listen to what you’re going through and not speak soothing words solely to make you feel better about yourself? Who is the godly person offering you guidance that leads you into the right paths for Jesus’ Name sake?

Suggestions for prayer

Earnestly seek God’s blessing on the life of your single friends. Entreat the Lord to give them wise and godly friends in Christ. If you are married, ask God how you can be a better friend to those who are single.