This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.
Theme
Chapter 27 spends a good portion of its focus dealing with friendships. Not just having friends who encourage and uplift you (as we all need and desire), but having a true friend willing to share the truth with you, even if the words might sting a bit (gulp!). Verses 5, 6, 9, 17 and 21 all deal with a friend who is focused on improving their friend via the truth.
There are times in my life when I don't necessarily see everything that's going on, or that I'm doing. I'm oblivious to it all. And in my ignorance, words are said and actions are taken, and both have unintentional consequences. These are the times when I must rely on my true friends to help me see the error of my ways.
Who do you have sharing the brutal honesty with you? Who in your life is willing to reprimand you when need it, who is willing to kick you in the butt if you need it? There are plenty of people willing to say flattering things about you - at least to your face. But how many will be truthful, no matter how hard the words might be to share and digest?
There are times in my life when I don't necessarily see everything that's going on, or that I'm doing. I'm oblivious to it all. And in my ignorance, words are said and actions are taken, and both have unintentional consequences. These are the times when I must rely on my true friends to help me see the error of my ways.
Who do you have sharing the brutal honesty with you? Who in your life is willing to reprimand you when need it, who is willing to kick you in the butt if you need it? There are plenty of people willing to say flattering things about you - at least to your face. But how many will be truthful, no matter how hard the words might be to share and digest?
Key Verse For Me
Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.
Quote
But what is the good of friendship if one cannot say exactly what one means? Anybody can say charming things and try to please and to flatter, but a true friend always says unpleasant things, and does not mind giving pain. Indeed, if he is a really true friend he prefers it, for he knows that then he is doing good. - Oscar Wilde
Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that gives value to survival. - CS Lewis
Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that gives value to survival. - CS Lewis
Related Scriptures
Romans 12:10 - Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, use me to be the voice of truth in my friendships. Also may I clearly receive wisdom from those You have placed around me.
So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?
Verse 1 "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."
ReplyDeleteDon't proudfully brag about what you are going to do tomorrow. You don't even know what the rest of today will bring you. Live for today, tomorrow may never come. Put your trust in God to see you through today and God willing, He will give you tomorrow. Be thankful for the day He has given you today. Live it for Him, for "This is the day that the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." Lord, thank you for blessing me with another beautiful day.
Verse 19
ReplyDeleteAs a face is reflected in water,so the heart reflects the real person.
Such a good reminder that, although we can present ourselves a certain way, our true selves are know by our hearts. Are we being genuine?