Proverbs 18:24 A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. I. REASONS WHY IT IS MOST DESIRABLE THAT THE YOUNG SHOULD SECURE THE FRIENDSHIP OF JESUS. — 1. His great knowledge about us and all future events makes His friendship most desirable. 2. His extraordinary power. 3. His vast undying love. I do not care for that friendship which is based upon selfishness, or which tries to secure mere personal ends. The love of Jesus is the root, the foundation, of His friendship. Love is the most sacrificing principle in the world. No one ever yet saw all the spirit of sacrifice there was in the love of Christ, and how He ever sought our good, our pardon, our happiness, our heaven, our glory. Love is not only the sweetest and most lovely power, but also the strongest in the universe. 4. His truth to His engagements. 5. Sad consequences must arise if the friendship of Jesus be not secured. II. HOW SHOULD WE ACT IN REFERENCE TO SUCH A FRIEND? 1. We must do what will please Him. The little word "do" must be written in good, fair characters in our hearts, in our efforts, and in our lives. 2. We must on all suitable occasions acknowledge His friendship. 3. We must go direct to this Friend in all our troubles, as well as with all our joys. 4. We must faithfully look after His interests. Solomon says that this Friend "sticketh closer than a brother"; and they are the wisest who resolve to stick the most closely to Jesus, through sunshine and through shower, through life and through death. (J. Goodacre.) Parallel Verses KJV: A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.WEB: A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. |
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