These verses reflect our daily reality – we constantly stand in need of discernment. We are called to be in the world, and we are called to avoid the world. How can we have the wisdom to effectively do what seems contradictory? The answer is found in understanding the role of influence. Verse 4 emphasizes the reality that we are easily influenced by our environment. The companion of fools will be destroyed. Living in a sin-cursed world means that we live in an environment of foolish thinking. What is foolish thinking? It is any thought or idea that is not interested in promoting the glory of God by submission to the truth of Scripture. The failure to constantly be aware of this will inevitably result in succumbing to foolishness ourselves. Learning to recognize foolish thinking as foolish is imperative to avoiding the foolish response in daily life. Recognizing that an argumentative spirit is foolish will squelch the bitter response. Recognizing the damage of vile conversation will lead to avoiding immersing our minds in vile entertainment or companionship. Again, wisdom is found in understanding that we are influenced by what we surround ourselves with.