Our tradition teaches us that we are deeply influenced by our surroundings, and especially by the people we choose to spend our time with.
Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating early medieval text, explores this very idea in its 25th chapter. It all begins with a powerful verse from Proverbs (13:20): "He who walketh with wise men shall be wise: but the companion of fools shall be broken." What does it really mean to "walk" with someone? Is it just physical proximity? Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer unpacks this idea with a vivid analogy.
Imagine walking into a perfumer's shop. The air is thick with fragrant oils, exotic spices, and delicate floral notes. Even if you don't buy anything, even if you just browse for a moment, you leave with a trace of that beautiful scent clinging to your clothes, your hair, your very being. "Likewise," the text explains, "everyone who walks with the righteous acquires some of their good ways and deeds." You absorb something positive, something uplifting, simply by being in their presence. It's almost like spiritual osmosis.
But the reverse is also true. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer presents another, less pleasant, image: a tannery. The air here is heavy with the stench of hides and chemicals. It's a harsh, unpleasant smell that seems to cling to you, no matter how quickly you leave. "Likewise," we are warned, "he who walks with the wicked acquires some of their evil ways and deeds." It’s not about judgment, but about the simple reality of influence.
The lesson is clear: choose your company wisely. We are constantly being shaped by the people around us, whether we realize it or not. This isn't just about avoiding "bad influences," it's about actively seeking out those who inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. It's about surrounding ourselves with people who embody the values we aspire to.
So, who are you walking with? And what "scent" are you carrying with you? It’s worth pondering, isn’t it?