How can Proverbs 27:6 guide us in choosing trustworthy friends? The Verse in Focus Proverbs 27:6: “The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” What God Is Showing Us - Wounds: honest words or actions that sting for a moment but heal long-term. - Friend: one committed to your spiritual good, Proverbs 17:17. - Faithful: dependable, anchored in truth, Lamentations 3:23. - Kisses: smooth compliments or approval that hide danger, Psalm 55:21. - Enemy: anyone whose aim is self-interest, even if disguised as affection, Proverbs 26:24-26. Marks of a Trustworthy Friend • Speaks truth even when it costs - Ephesians 4:15 “speaking the truth in love” - Galatians 2:11-14, Paul confronting Peter for his good • Corrects with humility, not harshness - Galatians 6:1 “restore … in a spirit of gentleness” - Psalm 141:5 “Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness” • Rejoices in righteousness, not just in your happiness - 1 Corinthians 13:6 “love rejoices in the truth” - Proverbs 13:20 “He who walks with the wise will become wise” • Loyal in difficulty, not only in comfort - Proverbs 18:24 “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” - 2 Timothy 1:16-17, Onesiphorus seeking Paul in prison • Points you to Christ, not to self - John 1:41-42, Andrew leading Simon to Jesus - Hebrews 10:24 “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” Red Flags to Notice - Flattery without substance (Proverbs 29:5) - Approval of sinful choices (Romans 1:32) - Gossip and divisiveness (Proverbs 16:28) - Commitment that evaporates under pressure (John 6:66) Practical Steps for Choosing Friends 1. Observe how they handle correction—both giving and receiving. 2. Listen for honesty over constant affirmation. 3. Watch their loyalty during someone else’s trial before yours comes. 4. Measure their counsel by Scripture, Acts 17:11. 5. Pray for discernment; God promises wisdom (James 1:5). Becoming the Friend You’re Seeking - Cultivate your own honesty, tempered by love. - Keep Scripture as your standard, not feelings. - Aim to edify, not impress (Romans 14:19). - Stand by others when truth makes you stand alone. Living It Out Choose companions whose words may occasionally “wound” but whose hearts are proven faithful. Their counsel steers you toward Christ, safeguards you from deception, and molds you into the same kind of trustworthy friend. |
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