Proverbs 27:10 Your own friend, and your father's friend, forsake not; neither go into your brother's house in the day of your calamity… I. FRIENDSHIP IS BASED OF TRUE LOVE. Concord of sentiment, agreement of taste, unity of purpose, frequent companionship, are not enough. These may exist without the binding together of hearts. Love is the essential element of true friendship. "For my friend first, and then for myself," is the spirit of true friendship. The idea of sacrifice is in friendship, and sacrifice is in the very nature of love. II. FRIENDSHIP IS RECIPROCAL IN ITS GROWTH AND PRESERVATION. It cannot be a one-sided thing. Seneca said, "Love if you wish to be loved." The atmosphere of suspicion or distrust is fatal to real friendship. III. GENUINE FRIENDSHIP STRENGTHENS IN THE TIME OF TRIAL. There is nothing like adversity to test life's attachments. See some points of duty in true friendship. Do not encourage your friend to your secrets. If they are disclosed, see that you never betray them. There is a becoming reticence and dignity even in friendship. Do not think you can treat your friend anyhow because he is your friend. The dearest friendships cannot dispense with thoughtfulness, kindness, and politeness. Do not allow any trivial matter to interfere with your friendship. Do not forget to pray for, and seek, the spiritual welfare of your friend. As you believe in the power of prayer, pray for your friend. Cultivate close and endearing fellowship with the best Friend — the Friend of Sinners. (J. Hiles Hitchens, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off. |
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