Pastor Phil Burdoin
July 17, 2022In the year 2022 we have an incredible amount of knowledge. We know things about science and physics and medicine. We carry around pocket computers that can answer any question we can think of. We are full of knowledge but what we really need is not more knowledge, but more wisdom.
Wisdom is different than knowledge. while knowledge is based on knowing things, wisdom is based on application of knowledge and making wise choices based on that knowledge.
As we continue on in our study of proverbs, today we will focus on building good friendships.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 ESVA friend is more interested in intimacy than popularity.A person that makes friends with you to be popular is not interested in building a deep intimate relationship with you. They are only interested in making themselves look/feel good.
A friend is someone who is more interested in creating an intimate connection with you. Sharing their life with you and not hiding any part of it. Being transparent with you even with the things they are not proud of.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend is committed to the relationship.Maybe you’ve heard of Fairweather fans, who only root for their team when they are doing well. Well there's also Fairweather friends, who don't really have any commitment to the relationship. They only show up when things are doing well.
When you are in a Christ centered relationship you are both focused on love for God and love for other people. Worldly friendships are not focused on that and lack the same type of commitment.
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:9 ESV
A friend knows we all make mistakes and forgives and forgets.
We've all had friends who have let us down. When that happens, we are faced with a choice. We can forgive and forget, or we can continually remind the person that they messed up.
A friend forgives and forgets.
For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more.
Hebrews 8:12
Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sing songs to a heavy heart.
Proverbs 25:20
A friend cares deeply when you are hurting.If you have a heavy heart, you need a friend who deeply cares. Not a friend who simply wants you to feel happy again. When you have a heavy heart, you need more than someone who just wants to cheer you up. You need someone to be there for you, to listen to you, to share in your grief. And that takes wisdom and deep compassion.
Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
Proverbs 27:5
A friend is willing to tell the truth, especially when it’s hard.If I claim to be your friend and I see you headed in a direction that is going to hurt you, your family, or your relationship with Jesus, and I don't say anything. Then what kind of friend is that? A friend that will allow you to keep heading down the same direction towards disaster because I don't want to hurt your feelings is no friend at all.
Are we practicing these five principles when comes to being a good friend?
Bottom Line: In order to have good friends you need to be a good friendThat means as you submit more and more to Jesus you learn from His wisdom. You learn to be a committed, forgiving, empathizing, heartfully truthful friend.
