Proverbs is a book of knowledge and wisdom that attests to God’s thoughts, provisions, and instructions for those who desire his will in their lives and relationships with others.
Proverbs 17:17 (KJV) paints a beautiful picture of a friend. The verse presents friendship and love as conjoined twins, so there is no disillusionment about what and who is a friend.
Proverbs 17:17 states, “A friend loveth at all times.”
How striking is the association! A friend is one who constantly loves—at all times.
A friend doesn’t have downtime, is never offline, is always on the ready, and always answers when needed.
Who has such love and devotion 24/7? Who is such a friend?
True friendship creates a bond that connects people. It is a priceless jewel and a rare find.
Such love is more constant than sunshine and dependable than rain. Under no circumstances is there a forecast of stormy relations, and there is never an excuse for neglect.
Meteorologists are scientists who study, learn, and predict the weather based on the Earth’s atmosphere conditions and actions. Due to real-time atmospheric changes, the actual weather can differ from the conditions forecasted.
Some people’s affections change just as the wind and atmospheric conditions. Sometimes, they are dependable and predictable, but other times, they are not. Some esteem and only consider others when it serves their best interest. Seasonal friends who feign friendship are self-serving, seeking and finding excuses not to serve. They are often found MIA, missing in action.
Come what will or may, whatever betides, a friend in need is a friend indeed. Love won’t allow a friend to hold grudges, be unforgiving, or miss an opportunity to help.
Selfish people do not make true friends, as described in Proverbs 17:17.
Who needs some-timing or shallow friends?
More importantly, who does not need a Best Friend Forever (BFF)?
Jesus proves to be a constant friend whose love is beyond the end. John 13:1(KJV) states, “Having loved his own, who were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” God’s Son seeks no payback for His sacrifice. Still, the sinful world continues to reject His love and salvation.
Jesus said the greatest sacrifice and evidence of love is to die for one’s friend. Jesus is humanity’s greatest friend, for He died and rose to save all who would believe in Him.
If one has just one earthly friend, they are blessed.
We remember Jonathan and David, the harp-playing shepherd boy, as friends. The Bible states Jonathan loved David as he loved his own soul. And David said that Jonathan’s love for him surpassed the love of a woman. Jonathan risked his life to protect David.
Proverbs 18:24 (KJV) states, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly.” or having a great capacity to love.
“A best friend is someone who loves you when you forget to love yourself. “Author Unknown
Only those with the love of God can show themselves as friendly and be a friend.
Be well.