Wisdom and Friendship
I. The Power of Friendship
A. You become like your friends (Proverbs 13:20; 16:29; 22:24-25; 27:17)
B. Your friends became like your family (Proverbs 18:24; 27:10)
II. Characteristics of a Biblical Friend
A. Righteous Person (1 Corinthians 5; Ephesians 5:11-15)
1. A righteous person is pleasing to God and others (Proverbs 3:1-4; 4:14-18; 16:7; 22:11)
2. A sinner must be avoided (Proverbs 1:10-19; 4:14-19)
B. A Good Counselor (Proverbs 9:8; 13:20; 27:5-6, 9, 17)
1. This includes advice (Proverbs 27:9)
2. This includes rebuke (Proverbs 9:8; 27:5-6; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
C. A Peace Maker (Proverbs 16:7; 25:5-6; 18:19; 16:27-28; 22:24)
D. A Faithful Person (Proverbs 3:3-4; 17:17; 18:24)
1. Through wrongs done (Proverbs 10:12)
2. In times of calamity and distress (Proverbs 17:17; 27:10)
3. Regardless of personal gain (Proverbs 14:20-21; 19:6-7)
E. A sensitive Person (Proverbs 14:20-21; 19:6-7; 23:6-8)
III. Christ, Our Greatest Friend and Brother
A. He is righteous (Hebrews 4:14-15)
B. He is a wonderful counselor (Hebrews 2:11-18)
C. He is the Prince of Peace (Hebrews 2:17; Romans 5:1)
D. He is faithful (Hebrews 13:5-6; Psalm 94:17-22)