Friends

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. - Proverbs 17:17

By definition, this verse tells us that our friend is God.  Who else can "love at all times" and who else is "born for a time of adversity"?  Sometimes we can love like that but not all the time.  Sometimes we can be there during a time of adversity but not all the time.  Jesus said in John 15:15 "No longer do I call you servants, ... but I have called you friends".  Jesus is our friend, and our friend is king of all, lord of all, and able to judge all.  He has all power and authority of heaven.  Yet, He listens to us and walks along side us and converses with us as our friend.  Can we have a greater blessing!

As I started to reflect upon this verse I found myself in a search through Proverbs for advise and thoughts on friends.  At least one of these is quite humorous.

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. - Proverbs 18:24

You want friends, then be friendly, but my experience says be friendly to the right kind of friends.  Those who would lead you astray will also be your "friend", but no real friend would knowingly lead you astray.  Here again is a reference to Jesus as our closest friend who never leaves us.

One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. - Proverbs 22:11

Everyone, including leaders, treasure those who have a pure heart with no ill intentions and who speak from that pure heart with kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity.

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. - Proverbs 27:9

The closeness and kinship of a friend who offers their counsel for your benefit is a sweet blessing.  Too often, we do not take it this way.  It is important to remember that our friend has our best interest at heart.

Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you - better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away. - Proverbs 27:10

This is very unexpected to me.  I should probably research it more, but it seems to instruct that it is better to count on our friends and neighbors during adversity than to run home.  Too often people run home and don' t consider their friends and neighbors first for help.  In our society of not knowing our neighbors this is certainly counter to that current social stance.

He who blesses his friend loudly early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse to him. - Proverbs 27:14

This one is just funny.  Don't go over and yell "Rise and Shine" to your neighbor too early in the morning.  He won't appreciate you for it.  I might give this one a try to see if it's true.

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. - Proverbs 27:17

Real friends can meet each other in opposing thoughts or in views going in the same direction but from different perspectives and provide strength to each other.  But this only works when both are willing to receive it and apply it to their reasoning.  A closed mind set in its own direction is a lonely ship.  There is no room for friends there.