Proverbs About Friends (Part 1)

I would like to reflect with you this summer about friends.  There are sixteen proverbs that are advice and counsel regarding friends and I will share them in the devotionals.  Friendship is a very special subject.  If you have many good friends or only a few or sadly maybe none, it is a tender topic.  Solomon has wonderful insights given by God, and we can learn to be better, wiser friends.

1. If you have become surety for anyone, hurry and get out of it.  (Proverbs 6:1-5)
2. If you are rich, you will have many friends.  (Proverbs 14:20)
3. Do not separate your friends by gossiping.  (Proverbs 16:28)
4. Cover transgressions in love.  (Proverbs 17:9)
5. A friend loves at all times.  (Proverbs 17:17)

I’d like to reflect on each of these. WOW, so full of illustration.

I will try to be brief and clear.

1. Cosigning is not wise.  Personal loans are extremely risky and best forgiven if not paid back quietly.  I still have not learned this well.
2. Or, even if you are not “rich”, if you are generous you will have many friends, too.  Don’t be generous if you expect any return.
3. We pretty much do this often.  It is called “triangulating” in psychological terms, and we do it for personal benefit only.
4. The opposite of gossip is to cover transgression.  I have never regretted the “high road” of this.  We should build each other up, first by not tearing each other down.
5. Love even when it hurts….doesn’t make sense….isn’t beneficial…isn’t fair….just don’t confuse love with approval.

So much to consider, and please do,
Pastor Fred

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