Today I witnessed something that reminded me of a powerful saying;
“He who walks with thieves will eventually be called a thief.”
Words like this may seem ordinary. But real life explains the meaning properly.
Earlier today, I went out for an activity and saw a disturbing scene. A group of men had surrounded an elderly man and were beating him seriously with big sticks and cutlasses.
I kept wondering what the man's offense was to deserve such treatment.
Out of curiosity I asked someone what happened.
I found out the reason why he was beaten. So I found out someone was stabbed the previous night and the elderly man was present with the group when it happened.
He was not the person who stabbed the victim, but he is a friend to the person who did it. In fact, they were said to be best friends.
The people beating him were trying to force him to reveal the whereabouts of the actual attacker.
Watching such things unfold, I was struck in deep thoughts. This one wasn't the one who committed the crime, but because he is associating with them he is suffering the consequences.
That moment reminded me that association carries responsibility.
Whether we like it or not, society often judges us by the company we keep.
When we constantly walk with people who are involved in trouble, one day trouble may find us too even if we never intended to be part of it.
More reason we need to be selective. It's not pride it's wisdom. So choose friends whose presence in your life will not put you into danger or tarnish your reputation
Because in reality, sometimes the consequences of someone else's actions can end up becoming your burden.