Proverbs 26 - 27

Friends

There are several proverbs in 26 and 27 that speak of friends:

26:18-19 Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking."

27:5-6 An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

27:9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

27:10 Never abandon a friend-either yours or your father's.

27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.


We all need friends and enjoy a happier and more fulfilling life when we are friendly and have friends. In these proverbs the dynamics of relationship betweens friends are explored.  In 26:18-19, the proverb discusses lying to a friend. If the person telling the lie is really a friend to the other person, then one is correct in questioning their friendship.  Friends do not lie to friends. In a pathetic attempt to make the lie go away, the person states they were only joking.  But is it a "joke" when we lie.  God hates liars and lying.

In 27:5-6 the proverb deals with the opposite of lying, i.e. telling a friend the truth, even if it is painful.  In the long run this is a much better display of friendship and love.  In 27:17 we see that being truthful and honest with a friend makes the friend "sharper." The friendship is strengthened and the individuals are strengthened.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.