Messengers and Friends

I. Messengers

A.

Proverbs 13:17 NASB95

17 A wicked messenger falls into adversity, But a faithful envoy brings healing.

messenger=angel

envoy=tsir, a messenger on a diplomatic mission.

2 Corinthians 5:20 NASB95

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

B.

Proverbs 25:13 NASB95

13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

This may refer to runners who would bring snow from the mountains to refresh the workers in the field.

We might say today, like a cold glass of ice tea on a hot day.

II. Friends

A. Foolish Friends

1. Leave Them

Proverbs 14:7 NASB95

7 Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge.

1 Corinthians 15:33 NASB95

33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

2. Don’t Desire Them

Proverbs 24:1–2 NASB95

1 Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2 For their minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble.

3.

Proverbs 29:24 NASB95

24 He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He hears the oath but tells nothing.

An accomplice takes an oath to tell the truth, but is either silent or tells lies. perjury is added to stealing and his life could be the punishment.

4.

Proverbs 27:8 NASB95

8 Like a bird that wanders from her nest, So is a man who wanders from his home.

B. Evil or Godly Friends?

1. Who Do You Hang Out With?

Proverbs 13:20 NASB95

20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.

2. Guide or Wanderer?

Proverbs 12:26 NASB95

26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor, But the way of the wicked leads them astray.

C. Godly Friends

1. Are There For You

Proverbs 17:17 NASB95

17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

2. Stick With You

Proverbs 18:24 NASB95

24 A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

3. Give Good Advice

Proverbs 27:9 NASB95

9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.

4. Help Out in Trouble

Proverbs 27:10 NASB95

10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, And do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away.

300 Illustrations for Preachers (Neighbor Is a Long-Lost Brother)

Neighbor Is a Long-Lost BrotherMark 12:30–31Preaching Themes: Family, Friendship, NeighborsWhen Tommy Larkin, 30, began searching for his long-lost biological brother, he didn’t know how far he’d have to travel from his Newfoundland, Canada, home. Then the agency that arranged adoptions for both boys when they were toddlers called with the address of Larkin’s brother, Stephen Goosney, 29. Goosney’s house was right across the street. “I said … ‘I am looking at the house right now!’ ” recalls Larkin. Now the two see each other nearly every day. “We both have families,” Goosney said, “but this is as close as it gets.”Larkin’s story is larger than life—his long-lost brother was a neighbor he’d never taken time to know. While the odds of your neighbor being a biological brother are microscopic, the odds that they could be a friend are great.—Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell92Stickin’ with a Friend

[Marian helping Leah when our van wouldn’t start at the store.]