Friendship is a Gift and Responsibility from God – (Proverbs 27:9-10)

Daily Bible Study
These passages speak of friendship and ties that bind people together, as well as the wisdom of a child who does not forsake their father's friends. It speaks of having honor and respect for those friendships as well as the new ones which are forged throughout life. Good friends can bring wisdom, joy and soundness to a life, because of the wise counsel they can bring into our lives. The term used here for "hearty counsel" refers to counsel that contains an abundance of wisdom for the good of the individual as well as others. Wisdom which is morally and spiritually sound, taking into account the well being of others and the will of God.

These passages therefore mean counsel which is given out of love and concern for the welfare of the person it is given to. Moreover, this also relates to another important concept which is God places people in our paths at important points in our lives. God raises up friends for guidance and companionship in our lives, when we need it most. And to respond to God's work in our lives and to honor those friendships is to honor God. And that's what these passages are speaking of, honoring God in all we do. The comparison to family used here is not meant to criticize family, but to show us that ties of friendship can in many cases be just as strong as ties to our siblings. In other words a good friend, can in reality be like a brother or sister toward us.