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Proverbs 1:10 - 19
My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! They may say, “Come and join us.  Let’s hide and kill someone!  Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent! Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave;  let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. Think of the great things we’ll get!  We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.” My child, don’t go along with them!  Stay far away from their paths. They rush to commit evil deeds.  They hurry to commit murder. If a bird sees a trap being set, it knows to stay away. But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life.

Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

• Share a time where you and your friend(s) got in trouble when you were a child.

Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• Pastor Troy said that habits, thoughts, and friendships are the easiest way to determine our future.  Do you like your future prospects today?  Of those 3 areas, which one could use the most detoxification?
• Read Proverbs 1:10-19.  What are this person’s friends trying to get him to do?  What do they fail to see?
• Have you ever sabotaged your future with bad friendships?
• Read Proverbs 13:20. Discuss a time when wise friends have influenced your life in a positive way.
• Share a friendship that included a time of discontentment and/or disagreement that has been overcome. How did you and the friend make amends? What advice would you have for someone facing such a time in a friendship?

Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.

• Troy talked about the book Sticky Church by Larry Osborne. In the book, he said we all have a certain number of connectors. Taking out your immediate family (spouse, kids, etc.) can you list 5 people? If you don’t what is the reason? Do you feel that your connectors are influencing you in the right direction?
• Thoughtfully evaluate yourself as a friend. Are there some good and/or bad habits that need to change? What changes can you make to become a friend who encourages and loves your friends as Jesus loves us?
• Many people have developed large, active online lives. Social media have become commonplace parts of our lives and even our identities. When thinking about building true connections with people how can an online life be a positive thing? A negative thing?

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Do you need to end a toxic relationship but not sure how to do it? Share your situation with your leader and ask for prayer and advice.

Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.

• Holy Spirit we ask that you help us as we start relationships that we make sure they align with You and what you want for us. If we are in toxic friendships help us to have wisdom on how to navigate getting away from these negative influences. Amen.

Start digging. For further study.

• Read this Got Questions article,"What does the Bible say about friends?".

• Habits
• Thoughts
• Relationships

According to sociologists, you are the average of your 5 closest friends.

• We walk like who we walk with