Friendships

Proverbs 18

Again there is not just one theme in this chapter but different applicable points that Solomon wants to pass on to his son. One point I would like to focus on is friendships.

Friends (vs 1, 22, 24)

The first point we see is friends. Verse 1 says, “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” We know we are not meant to be alone.

There are a couple things that I do not like doing alone, one of those is going to the movies. For some reason I will never go to the movies alone, which is funny because it is not like I can have a deep and meaningful conversation during a movie. I also do not like going out to eat alone. Eating is a social thing, you are able to enjoy food with someone and have a great conversation all at the same time.

God wants us to be social with other humans. Jesus is the example of being social, he went to people and met their needs. We can not meet others spiritual needs if all we do is hang out with ourselves. Also, when someone seeks his own self and isolates himself, he can not have the feedback from others. We should seek counsel from other godly men and women. We see a contrast to being a loner to what a true friend is in verse 24 which says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” In verse one we see the too little or no friends and now we see too many of friends. It is interesting but it is true, if you have too many you will come to ruin, what do you think this means? True friendship is based on a giving of oneself. To be a good friend, you must be self sacrificing. You can not do this with everyone you will run out of giving. You can only be like this with your true friends.

The last means of friendship is marriage. In verse 22 it says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” I must say it is true, my wife is my best friend. She knows me better than any other person or friend I have. She knows things that I have only shared with her. Your spouse should be your close companion.

What kind of friendships do you have? Are your friends encouraging you in the ways of the Lord? Are you a friend who is giving of themselves to others or are you only taking? Your relationship that you should put more effort in is your relationship with God then your family then your friends. The sad thing is the priorities of friendships are not this but usually friends, then family, then God. Start with God then family then friends and you will see the true blessings of friendships.