Wisdom Regarding Friendship

Introduction

1. Living on an inhabited planet, it is impossible to avoid associations with fellow humans

2. In His all-sufficient Word, God has provided the wisdom necessary whereby we can...

a. Develop good relations with those around us

b. Avoid the pitfalls that too often destroy good friendships

[A good portion of this wisdom is found in Proverbs, where much is revealed regarding the subject of friendships. For example, note what is revealed about...]

I. The Value Of Friends

A. Source Of Comfort

1. In good times and in bad times - Proverbs 17:17

2. In some cases, even better than that provided by a brother - Proverbs 18:24b

B. Source Of Good Counsel

1. Counsel that can "delight the heart" - Proverbs 27:9

2. The value of counsel in general is seen in Proverbs 11:14

[A friend who offers comfort and can be trusted to provide good counsel is certainly a blessing. But we must choose our friends carefully (Proverbs 12:26). Consider therefore, some advice on...]

II. The Choice Of Friends

A. Friends You Do Not Want

1. Gossips - Proverbs 20:19

2. Short-tempered - Proverbs 22:24-25

3. Those given to drinking and gluttony - Proverbs 23:20-21

4. Those given to change - Proverbs 24:21-22

5. Liars, those untrustworthy, and those inconsiderate - Proverbs 25:18-20

6. Those given to violence - Proverbs 1:10-19

B. FRIENDS YOU DO WANT...

1. Those who display wisdom themselves - Proverbs 13:20

2. For their teaching (counsel) will help lead you in the right way - cf. Proverbs 13:14

[The wrong kind of friends can be a corrupting influence (cf. 1Corinthians 15:33), but a friend who is good and wise is one you want to hold on to! To avoid losing good friends, here is some wisdom on...]

III. Maintaining Friends

A. Things Which Disrupt Friendship

1. Repeating everything you hear - Proverbs 17:9

2. Getting into senseless arguments - Proverbs 17:14

3. Overstaying your welcome - Proverbs 25:17

4. Meddling in affairs not your own - Proverbs 26:17

5. Playing bad jokes - Proverbs 26:18-19

6. Being a "talebearer" - Proverbs 26:20

7. Being contentious - Proverbs 26:21

8. Engaging in insincere flattery - Proverbs 27:14

[Following such advice, one is less likely to offend his or her friends. But sometimes we do, and regaining their confidence is not easy (cf. Proverbs 18:19). What can be done? Consider...]

B. Solving Problem With Our Friends

1. Make sure that you are at peace with the Lord - cf. Proverbs 16:7

2. Be slow to anger - Proverbs 15:18; cf. James 1:19-20

3. Be slow to respond - Proverbs 18:13

4. Avoid quarreling - Proverbs 20:3

5. Speak gently - Proverbs 15:1

6. Speak briefly - Proverbs 10:19

7. Be quick to show love - Proverbs 10:12

8. But if necessary, rebuke rather than flatter - Proverbs 28:23

Conclusion

1. Properly applying the wisdom of God found in His Word can assure that...

a. We enjoy the blessings of good friends in this life

b. We can look forward to enjoying these dear friends in life eternal!

2. Rather than depend upon "trial and error" to learn "how to win friends and influence people", let God's Word be your guide! But of all the friendships we could possible develop, none can excel the one we can have with Him who truly "sticks closer than a brother" - our Lord Jesus Christ! Have you become His friend? Consider what He has done for us...

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Consider what He asks of us... "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you." (John 15:14)

Have you done what He commands? - cf. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16