Sunday, June 12, 2016

Let’s talk about Proverbs 18:24.



Proverbs 18:24 (KJV) A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.


I’ve heard the last part of that scripture quoted all my life!!!!  And I’m sure that you have, too!!!   


“…there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (NKJV)  


This is so true!!!  Almost everyone, has that one friend who is always there for them!!!



But what about the first part of this verse?


Proverbs 18:24 (KJV) A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly.


Well, that should be common sense, but some folks just don’t seem to get it.  They aren’t friendly, and then they say something like,
“I just don’t understand why folks don’t like me.”  Or, “How come everyone likes you?”  “You’ve got lots of friends, but I don’t have any friends.” 


It’s hard to know exactly what to say to folks, unless GOD gives you specific words for them. 


That’s when it is best to give them THE WORD!!!  We can tell folks,
“THE WORD says, Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”  Luke 31:6 Amplified Bible


When I was studying,
I found out that there was more than one interpretation for the first part of Proverbs 18:24.


So, let’s look at this scripture in both the ESV and the Amplified.    


Proverbs 18:24 (ESV) A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.


Proverbs 18:24 (AMP) The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.

 

I think the best way to explain the first part of this verse, would be to say it this way.  Be friendly and considerate of others, but be careful and choose your friends wisely. 


Amos 3:3 (KJV) Can two walk together, except they be agreed?



We should NOT ONLY want our friends to be like minded with us, but we should want them to be Christ-minded!!!


I want to walk with those who are seeking GOD’s perfect will for their lives and for every circumstance and situation!!!

No comments: