The e book of Proverbs is taken into account one of many knowledge books of the Bible. Filled with many sensible sayings that may be utilized to varied conditions all through life, the steerage of the Proverbs teaches us to hunt knowledge. Knowledge is personified as a girl. The Lord offers knowledge (Proverbs 2:6, NIV), and He has woven it into the material of the universe. Knowledge is obtainable to us, and we’re commanded to hunt her out. We discover knowledge after we revere the One True God. “The concern of the Lord is the start of knowledge” (Proverbs 9:10, NIV), and the rewards of dwelling a sensible life are nice. “For via knowledge your days can be many, and years can be added to your life. In case you are sensible, your knowledge will reward you” (Proverbs 9:11-12, NIV).
Proverbs teaches us to hunt God’s knowledge, be disciplined, be humble, love others, shield our hearts, work laborious, and management our phrases. There are additionally quite a few sayings in regards to the worth of friendship and how you can be a very good buddy. By studying and making use of these Proverbs, we will discover ways to be a buddy and the way to decide on buddies. You will need to observe the distinction between these we’re pleasant with and our true buddies. Whereas everyone seems to be our neighbor and we must always present kindness and mercy to all, friendship is deeper. A buddy is somebody we belief and love on an intimate stage. As we learn the Proverbs to study what makes a very good buddy, we should additionally think about if we’re performing out the recommendation. Am I a very good buddy? Am I sort? Loyal? Affected person? Do I take advantage of my phrases for good? Am I simply angered? How can I take advantage of the knowledge present in Proverbs to be a greater buddy myself?
Phrases Matter
Lots of the sayings in Proverbs, whether or not they’re instantly about friendship or not, emphasize how a lot phrases matter. We all know that the way in which we communicate represents who we actually are. “For the mouth speaks what the guts is filled with” (Luke 6:45, NIV). Due to this fact, the way in which our buddies communicate exhibits us what is going on of their hearts.
Phrases could be useful. “Gracious phrases are a honeycomb, candy to the soul and therapeutic to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24, NIV). Phrases could be hurtful. “A gossip betrays a confidence; so keep away from anybody who talks an excessive amount of” (Proverbs 20:19, NIV). Realizing when to restrain from utilizing phrases is vital. “Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, however the one who has understanding holds their tongue” (Proverbs 11:12, NIV).
Encouragement Issues
In searching for knowledge to information phrases, a very good buddy gives encouragement in our difficult instances, which lightens the burden and brings pleasure. Proverbs 27:9 (NIV) says, “Fragrance and incense deliver pleasure to the guts, and the pleasantness of a buddy springs from their heartfelt recommendation” whereas Proverbs 12:25 (NIV) tells us that “Anxiousness weighs down the guts, however a sort phrase cheers it up.”
Listening Issues
There are various Proverbs that information us on how you can use our phrases for good and never for hurt, however listening is maybe much more vital to a friendship. Actually listening to what buddies are saying and making an attempt to know opens the door to true relationships and the chance for encouragement or steerage as wanted. “Fools discover no pleasure in understanding however enjoyment of airing their very own opinions” (Proverbs 18:2, NIV).
Loyalty Issues
We might solely want a couple of true, deep friendships in our lives, however loyalty is very vital in these relationships. Backstabbing and unreliability don’t have any place in a friendship. Realizing that you may depend on somebody to be there if you want them is an indication of a real friendship. Actually, that sort of relationship goes past friendship and appears extra like household. “A buddy loves always, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17, NIV). “One who has unreliable buddies quickly involves destroy, however there’s a buddy who sticks nearer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24, NIV).
Trustworthiness Issues
We should always be capable of belief our buddies with our ideas and fears and stresses and desires. Once I share one thing from my coronary heart with a buddy, I do know that she is going to maintain it with tenderness and never inform others. I belief her to talk fact to me and inform me issues that will even be laborious to listen to. Belief is the spine of relationships. “A gossip betrays a confidence, however a reliable particular person retains a secret” (Proverbs 11:13, NIV).
Persistence Issues
Relationships, even the closest of buddies, can take a look at our endurance at instances, however we have to encompass ourselves with buddies who don’t lose their mood simply. Having affected person buddies not solely makes for a extra satisfying expertise with them, however it additionally protects us from becoming a member of in unfavorable methods. An simply angered particular person can shortly pull us into their anger, whereas a affected person particular person bears with us and encourages us to have extra endurance ourselves. “Don’t make buddies with a hot-tempered particular person, don’t affiliate with one simply angered, or chances are you’ll be taught their methods and get your self ensnared” (Proverbs 22:24-25, NIV).
Kindness Issues
Buddies are individuals who can communicate the reality whereas nonetheless being sort. What they are saying might damage, however it isn’t imply. A real buddy’s kindness and love is not going to allow you to proceed on a path that’s harmful or sinful. They are going to be capable of humbly hear if you communicate fact to them as nicely. People who find themselves fast to anger don’t exhibit the kindness wanted for an sincere friendship. “Wounds from a buddy could be trusted, however an enemy multiplies kisses” (Proverbs 27:6, NIV). Sort buddies look out for his or her buddies and shield their relationships. “An unfriendly particular person pursues egocentric ends and in opposition to all sound judgment begins quarrels” (Proverbs 18:1, NIV).
Generosity Issues
We by no means wish to reap the benefits of a buddy or put on them down, however a beneficiant buddy is an effective buddy to have. Whether or not she is beneficiant together with her time or different assets, she can be refreshing to our souls and can reap a reward herself. “A beneficiant particular person will prosper; whoever refreshes others can be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25. NIV).
Way of life Issues
Our buddies might not dwell precisely the identical means that we do, however it’s important that they’re pursuing the trail of God’s knowledge alongside us. The extra we affiliate with sensible, godly buddies, the wiser and godlier we develop into. Good buddies carry up each other in fact and love.
“Stroll with the sensible and develop into sensible, for a companion of fools suffers hurt” (Proverbs 13:20, NIV).
Friendship Issues
In the end, the Ebook of Proverbs has taught me that friendship issues to God. We had been created to be in relationships with others, and He offers us buddies as a blessing in our lives. There are a number of examples of friendship all through the Bible- Jesus and His disciples, David and Jonathan, Job and his buddies. Friendship is a present from God and makes us higher individuals. “As iron sharpens iron, so one particular person sharpens one other” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV). Could God bless your life with good buddies, and will you be a very good buddy to these round you.
Photograph Credit score: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages
Megan Moore is a navy partner and mother of three (via start and adoption). A speech-language pathologist by coaching, she now spends her time transferring across the nation each couple of years. She is enthusiastic about particular wants, adoption, and ice cream.