“Don’t go to stupid places; don’t associate with stupid people; don’t do stupid things.” ~ John Farnham

“Don’t go to stupid places.”

The idea here is simple: stay away from places where trouble breeds. The Proverbs provide vivid warnings about staying off paths that lead nowhere good.

• “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.” (Proverbs 4:14–15, ESV)
• “my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.” (Proverbs 1:15–16, ESV)
• “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 22:3, ESV)

These verses paint a clear picture: wise people recognize danger and steer clear. Life has enough challenges—why willingly wander into situations where risk and trouble are practically guaranteed?

“Don’t associate with stupid people.”

Who we surround ourselves with shape us. Proverbs gets this, too, recognizing that people can be anchors that either ground us or weigh us down.

• “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20, ESV)
• “Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 14:7, ESV)
• “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” (Proverbs 22:24–25, ESV)

These proverbs remind us that foolish company rarely leaves us unchanged. The people we let close have a way of rubbing off on us, for better or worse. It’s like being on a boat—you want to ensure those around you know how to steer, or you’ll all end up off course.

“Don’t do stupid things.”

The last piece of Farnham’s advice concerns action. Proverbs often discuss the difference between the wise and the foolish in terms of choices, pointing out that recklessness can lead to regret.

• “One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.” (Proverbs 14:16, ESV)
• “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” (Proverbs 19:2, ESV)
• “Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.” (Proverbs 10:23, ESV)

The Proverbs paint foolishness as an eagerness to leap before looking, to chase the thrill without thinking of the cost. Conversely, the wise person looks down the road, weighs the risks, and holds back when something just doesn’t feel right.

Farnham’s maxims might sound blunt, but they can cut through the noise. Proverbs takes these rules and gives them depth, showing us that wisdom isn’t just about avoiding trouble but about choosing a path that leads to peace and good sense. It’s less about fear and more about learning how life works best.

~PW 🌮🛶