Bible Thoughts

May 30, 1999

The Proverb writer had an understanding of life and of men. His knowledge enabled him to gain insights into human behavior not apparent to others. Drawing upon the observations he had made and the wisdom that God gave him, Solomon was able to express evident truths in a simple and straightforward manner. Under the guidance of God, he wrote principles that would have meaning to people of any age.

As one reads and studies the book of Proverbs, it is profound in its simplicity. One might say, as he reads in this work, "Now why did I not think of that?" It is true that what is most obvious to a person can also be easily overlooked by a human. Solomon, the wisest of men, communicated basic principles of living and respecting one another. When they are applied, they make life more enjoyable and more profitable to those around us.

In the passage above, he expressed such a principle when he said, "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly." A simple, yet profound, observation. If one desires to be friendly with another, demonstrate it. Don't wait until that person is friendly with me, be friendly with the person. Always standing back and waiting for another to approach me does not fulfill the principle expressed in this verse. Does it not occur to us that it is as much our responsibility to make the first step as is true for the other person? If I want someone to be friendly with me, I must be aggressive enough to be friendly with them. It works--Solomon said that it did. It will take some effort.

Shyness is no excuse for not greeting the saints when we come together to worship or failing to speak to a visitor to the services. Welcoming people to the services to God is a responsibility of each Christian. It is not an exclusive "duty" of the preacher nor of a few saints. All disciples should seek out those who come to learn and encourage them to return. This friendliness should be shown to the saints as well. Are we not glad to see the people of God? Are we not happy to be around folks who love the Lord? Is it not much more pleasant to be with people of like mind than with the host of those in the world who care not about truth and right?

Our friendship should stretch beyond our immediate acquaintances. A visitor to our services should be overwhelmed with our interest in their souls by welcoming them and seeking to help them. Friendliness should extend to all of the saints as well. Confining one's interest to only two or three close friends is restricting in nature. One who does such is denying himself the opportunity to expand one's awareness of the needs of others as well as the benefit of the knowledge and faith of others. Jesus was accused of being a friend of publicans and sinners. Why? Because he sought to teach them and guide them in the paths of righteousness. How can I influence others if I do not expand my interest beyond a few close friends?

The passage in Proverbs also points out that a friend can be closer than a brother(fleshly). One is bound to a brother by physical ties; one is bound to a friend by the heart. While there are some that will be closer friends than others, when one is in Christ, he is bound by a spiritual tie. It is a voluntary friendship, not one arising out of obligation(as a physical relative). With a common faith, those ties can become stronger each year as one draws closer to the Lord and His people.

Friends offer an excellent opportunity for one to teach the gospel to others. A friend will listen when a casual acquaintance will not. Jesus told one who wanted to accompany the Son of God, "Go to thy house unto thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and how he had mercy on thee"(Mark 5:19). The man "went his way" and "began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men marveled"(Mark 5:20). This man wanted his friends to know about the Lord and how he had cast out the demons that possessed him, changing his life. By living the life of a Christian in the presence of friends, one is setting a proper example and using the friendship to influence others in righteousness.

The greatest friend that a human can have is Jesus Christ. His friendship was so great, that he died for those who would consider themselves his enemies. When it seems that your friends abandon you, when it seems they do not care, and it seems like there is no place to turn, the Lord is always there for a Christian. This friendship was made possible when one obeyed the gospel. It continues when one is faithful to the commands of the gospel. In truth, no one can be a friend to Jesus who does not follow in his steps by obeying his commands. Jesus himself said so, "Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you"(John 15:14).

It occurs to this writer that one should place this friendship with Christ above all else. Even if folks do not treat me as I believe they should, even if some do not speak to me, even if I must put forth all of the effort, ad infinitum, the Christian is doing it for the Lord, not for others and not to impress others. Being a friend to the Lord is the aim of a Christian.

How friendly am I with Christ?