August 1, 2019
Proverbs 27
LET IT GLOW
You know, we get busy and time goes by so quickly that we have to take time out of our schedule to have lunch with a couple of close friends. That is what I did this week. We had fun, laughed loudly in the restaurant, and fellowshipping together.
What are the characteristics of a true friend? do you have godly friends? This chapter holds some verses about godly friendships. Friendship is a spiritual endeavor and highly valued in Proverbs. How is friendship a part of our spiritual life?
Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth-a stranger, not your own lips. (verse 2)
Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (verse 6)
The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (verse 9)
He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. (verse 14)
Iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (verse 17)
A true friend will give you advice that is good for you, although it may be unpleasant. Friends can bounce ideas off each other, listening to ideas without offending them. It is all for our own good.
LET IT GROW
Faithful are the wounds of a friend...
Don't be taken in by a flattering or deceiving person.
A faithful friend:
- edify, not flatter;(Romans 15:2)
- is humble and demonstrates love; (Ephesians 4:2)
- does not always tell you what you want to hear; rebukes out of love (Proverbs 9:8)
True friends are willing to wound you in order to help you. Are we close to someone who will ask us hard questions?
LET IT GO
Be a true friend.
Listen to my true friends.
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