“A friend loveth at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). Friendship is an important topic in Scripture. Abraham was considered the friend of God (Isa. 41:8; Jam. 2:23). The Lord spoke with Moses face to face as friends would (Ex. 33:11). David and Jonathan were very close friends (1 Sam. 18:1-4). Jesus considered the disciples to be His friends (Jn. 15:15). Jesus’ enemies reviled Him because he was friends to publicans and sinners (Mt. 11:19).
Christians need to be reminded of the value of friendships. Wisdom affects the entirety of life. The wise man knows how to choose good friends, and in turn knows how to be a good friend.
Believers must be wise in their selection of their friends. Choosing the correct friends may be some of the most important decisions that young men make. The old saying goes “show me your friends and I will show you your future.” Surrounding yourself with the wrong type of people may have detrimental consequences.
Proverbs says, “whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Pro. 13:20 ESV). The company you keep influences your life and your destiny. Someone once said, “You can’t soar with eagles if you walk with turkeys.” People of all ages have the inherent ability to want to hang out with turkeys.
You will suffer harm when you fellowship with fools. The New Living Translation records it like this: “associate with fools and get in trouble.” Friends who are always getting themselves into trouble will more than likely get you into trouble too. It’s not a good idea to run with troublemakers and instigators. Your reputation will become vulnerable to scrutiny simply by associating with fools. It is difficult to live wisely if you fraternize with foolish friends.
Choosing your friends is important, but you must also know the qualities of being a good friend. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly” (Pro. 18:24 NKJV). Being friendly is a necessary attribute if you are going have friends. I have known too many people whose personality and attitude hinders their ability to have any friends. Instead of being friendly, they are like fingernails on a chalkboard, and nobody wants to be around such a person.
It would be profitable for you to read Proverbs and write down all the wonderful advice it yields concerning friendship. Being a good friend isn’t a sign of weakness or frailty. On the contrary, it is biblical and spiritual for a Christians to have friendships, and to pursue being a good friend.