We Should Choose Our Friends Wisely, Based on Character – (Proverbs 18:23-24)

Daily Bible Study
This passage at first glance may look rather straight forward, because of the way it has been translated. However, it carries a very deep meaning that may not be obvious at first glance. Moreover, as we better understand the true meaning of these passages, they will give us practical wisdom for our everyday relationships. The difficulties with this passage are because of the phrase, "who has friends must himself be friendly." In the Hebrew this phrase really means, "sometimes friends destroy friends." Knowing the meaning of this phrase changes our understanding of the passage. And what God is telling us, is that we are to use wisdom gained from the Holy Spirit and God's word, when choosing our friends. Why? Because the friends we choose can shape our lives both now and in the future.

In other words, if we are to translate this section of the passage literally it says, "Sometimes friends destroy friends; but a friend chosen wisely is closer than a brother to us." So here in these passages, God is giving us profound wisdom, which affects every aspect of our day to day lives. They do so, because they both remind us and warn us, that we must choose our friends wisely. Because our friendships can define who we are and affect our lives both now and in the future. Our friends not only shape our character, they also affect our intelligence as well as our outlook on our day to day lives. They can bring joy into our lives as they help us to grow in the Lord, or they can bring constant turmoil, heartache and drive us away from God. Therefore, we are to choose our friends wisely, we are to be looking at the heart and character of all individuals we call friends.