A Friend that sticks closer than a Brother

Proverbs 18:13–24
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A story is told about Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton who become friends. Darnay, a young Frenchman, is thrown into a dungeon and faces the guillotine. Carton, a wasted lawyer is finishing his life as a loose-living individual in England. Carton hears of Darnay’s imprisonment an … More

Friend

Don’t pass judgment until you are fully informed (v. 13). Jumping to conclusions before hearing the facts are unwise and will bring a person to shame. Give yourself the three-way test before speaking about someone: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true? Being cheerful helps when we are sick, but nothing helps when we give up (v. 14). Everyone with good sense wants to learn (v. 15). A gift will get you in to see anyone (v. 16). Most men can make a good case for themselves, if left alone so there is wisdom in hearing both parties face to face (v. 17). To decide a case on one-sided testimony will almost always result in bad judgment and/or unfair verdict. This is true of parents when their children argue. Drawing straws is one way to settle a difficult case (v. 18).

To win a brother back who has been offended is more difficult than to subdue a heavily fortified city (v. 19). Wounded pride and an unwillingness to view a matter in relation to God makes it very difficult to restore the friendship of offended brothers. However, there are few quarrels that could not be settled if both parties were ready to meet quietly before the Lord and talk out their differences and ask for forgiveness. Make your words good; you will be glad you did (v. 20). Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say (v. 21). A man’s greatest treasure is his wife; she is a gift from the Lord (v. 22). The poor must beg for help, but the rich can give a harsh reply (v. 23). Some friends don’t help, but a true friend is closer than your own family (v. 24). We all need friends who will stick close, listen, care and offer help when needed, in good times and in bad.

Application

Instead of wishing I could find a true friend I just need to seek to become one. There are people who need my friendship.

Proverbs 18:13-24 (English Standard Version)

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