May 16, 2010 Pastor Scott Snowden
 WISDOM
Proverbs- Profound Truth in Simple Terms
#10. The Wisdom of Healthy Friendships…
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
God said in the opening pages of human history that “It is not good for the man to be alone…” Every human being has a built-in desire and need for relationships. We all need to “fit in” somewhere; to belong. However, this need for understanding and human contact can lead us to look for friends in all the wrong places. In the movie Castaway, Tom Hanks’ character was so desperate for a companion that he carried on a conversation with a volleyball! (And audiences felt sadness when “ Wilson ” got lost in the ocean!) We are wise to be selective in the choices we make when developing friendships. What are we to look for in the people we spend our time, emotion and lives with? What are they looking for in us (me)?
-
A wise man chooses his friends _CAREFULLY_.
A righteous man is cautious in friendship,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Proverbs 12:26
A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24
- Know the difference between an acquaintance, a co-worker,
a neighbor, a family member, and a friend.
Not everyone I know has the moral/spiritual character
or the temperament to become a life long close friend.
-
A wise man _ACCEPTS_ and _FORGIVES_ his friends, knowing full well that they are not perfect.
He who covers an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:9
A man’s wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 19:11
-
A wise man knows that he can be _HONEST_ with his friends, and they with him.
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Proverbs 27:6
A gossip betrays a confidence, so avoid a man who talks too much.
Proverbs 20:21
-
A wise man is _LOYAL_ to his friends, determined to be there during the tough times as well as the good.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father…
Proverbs 27:10
-
A wise man seeks to _HELP_ his friends succeed and become better.
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”-
when you now have it with you.
Proverbs 3:27, 28
-
A wise man _ENCOURAGES_ his friends, looking to brighten their day whenever appropriate.
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.
Proverbs 15:30
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of one’s friends springs from his earnest counsel.
Proverbs 27:9
-
A wise man does not abuse his friends or take them for granted; instead he _APPRECIATES_ them.
If you find honey, eat just enough-
too much of it, and you will vomit.
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house-
too much of you, and he will hate you.
Proverbs 25:16, 17
- The underlying idea in each of these principles is this…
the only way to have a friend is to be a friend.
Taking the time and effort to be a good friend, while risky,
will pay off when the people I invest my life in
return the favor and invest their lives in me.
|
