Proverbs 12:26: The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Insight
It would be clearer to translate it this way: “The righteous searches out his neighbor.” The righteous man wants to help his neighbor, while the lawless man will try to hurt his neighbor. The righteous man will come to talk to a neighbor and face him if he finds he is wrong. That is the most helpful thing he can do. Nathan was the best friend David had; yet it was Nathan who had the courage to point his finger at David and say, “… Thou art the man …” (2 Sam. 12:7). When there are things in our lives that need to be straightened, it is wonderful to have a good friend who will reprove us in love. 1
Application
A friend lovingly responds to a friend. If Jesus is truly your friend, you will respond in obedience to Him. Are you seeking Him and His will, or are you seeking your own desires? Your response reveals the kind of friend you are to Him.
Motivation
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. John 15:13–14
The greatest friend is the One who died for you and lives in you. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, thank you for being my Savior and Lord, and my friend.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
