Faithful on Fridays Blog

Most people would agree if they’d rather have a wound or a kiss: the choice is obvious. King Solomon used that contrast to discuss friendship: our first topic today. The truth from friends can hurt, sometimes it needs to, but Chapter 27:6-10 shows us they can also feel like the Holy Spirit giving us counsel. 

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. Proverbs 27:9 ESV

True friends are honest and loving, sincere and intimate but never operate from deceit, pretense, or flattery. We’re warned to recognize a faithful friend and stick close to him. 

Solomon continued by enlarging his circle of intimacy to neighbors; those who live close by give you many more opportunities to show God’s love and care. Friends and neighbors develop a sense of caring as Jesus portrayed in His parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). His words ring true today:

“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” Luke 10:36-37 NLT

After being rebuked myself by the description of a quarrelsome wife (vs. 15-17) I found another poignant or piercing point: Friends, neighbors, and family help each other like the sharpening of a tool. Let’s stay sharp and develop those deeply personal relationships.

Moving into Chapter 28 we find another seemingly hodgepodge of maxims, they don’t seem to fit together, but after reading them over several times I realized all the verses could be directed to the type of family that rules and reigns in life: mashal. Let’s summarize this chapter keeping our friends, neighbors, and family at the forefront of our minds.

• Righteous boldness (not arrogance)
• Understanding and knowledge
• Attention to the poor with generosity
• Obeying spiritual and natural laws
• Understanding true justice (what’s morally right)
• Integrity
• Glorious Triumph of the Righteous
• The value of confession and mercy
• Walking in the Fear of the Lord
• Strong work ethic
• Trust
• Humility not pride

Who doesn’t want all of those characteristics for their relationships? I hope you’ll read this chapter with fresh eyes even using it as prayer points because along with each positive attribute there is a negative warning.

• The wicked run in fear
• They have no understanding
• They bring shame to their family
• Their prayer is detestable
• They fall into their own pit
• Lack of prosperity and even poverty
• Calamity and punishment is waiting
• They stir up strife with greed
• There’s brokenness waiting

Let’s value our family, friends, and neighbors by keeping alert for opportunities to bless them thereby showing mercy, as Jesus said. We can teach the next generation by our faithful example.

… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 ESV