Proverbs 27:9–10: Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel. Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
Insight
When I came to California, I conducted a funeral for a dear saint of God who lived alone. She had brought her husband out here from the East because he was sick, and she spent much of her time caring for him until he died. She didn’t have many friends although she had become active in the church to a certain extent. I thought the place would be crowded for her funeral, but there were about fifteen people there. Her family and friends were back in the East. “Better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.” We all need friends, and it is better to make friends among our neighbors than depend on family and old friends who are great distances from us. 1
Application
A certain Samaritan, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Luke 10:33–34
Sometimes it is the most random events or circumstances later in life that lead us to making the most meaningful friendships. Appreciate and value each friendships.
Motivation
Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, wiped His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. John 12:3
To have a friend, you must be a friend. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, thank You for allowing me to be a friend of God.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
