Hermit Spiders and Honeybees

Both the hermit spider and honeybee drink the same nectar.  The honeybee makes honey.  The hermit spider makes poison. 

The same is true of people.  We all breathe air and drink water. 

Some people are eager to learn and gain wisdom.  They apply what they learn to their every day lives.  When they see others going through difficult times, they offer practical help.  They pray, send notes of encouragement, visit and share the struggle.

And then there are others who think they already know everything they need to know.  They don’t bother seeking God’s wisdom.  They are consumed with their own needs and desires, and don’t really care what happens to anyone else. Sometimes they’ve very friendly, gleaning tidbits of gossip to spread around, things to criticize, all in all causing immeasurable harm.

You find honeybees and hermit spiders in school, in the office, in church.

My mother gave me sound advice in regard to making friends:  Take time to observe the behavior of others before building friendships.  Sometimes the ones who meet and greet you first are not the ones who make the most trustworthy friends.  Be friendly, but take time and watch carefully how people treat one another before establishing a friendship. 

Seek out the honeybees.  Avoid the hermit spiders.