“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Prov. 13:20 ESV)
It’s truly wonderful to have good friends!
It’s fun to visit with them and talk about things you have in common that you both care about. If you’re down, they can encourage you. If they’re down, you encourage them. It’s a mutual exchange. True friends are the ones you can count on when you need some help. If your car breaks down, you can call them, and they will be there. And if you face a tragedy such as death in your family, they’re the first to show up to be with you. Friends have the power to negatively or positively change your life. That’s why it’s important to select good ones!
When I was a youth director many years ago, there was a nice young man who used to come to our events. He was enthusiastic, happy, and full of life. We always loved having him around, and everyone loved him. But one summer, he fell into a group of young men who were full of mischief. They started taking him to parties, where he discovered liquor and the lifestyle that goes with it. They mocked God, the Bible, and his earlier faith. Soon, we didn’t see him anymore. When we called to invite him, he didn’t come. He continued to go downhill, and if one of our group saw him, they said he was not the same person. He avoided all his old friends and only hung out with his new ones. One day, we heard the awful news that he had committed suicide. This is the power of bad (negative) friendships and where they can lead! They will entangle you in a snare.
“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” (Prov. 22:24-25 ESV)
The Bible has a lot to say about good and bad friendships, here are are a few passages about the pros and cons of good and bad friendships.
Bad friends spread strife
“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” (Prov.16:28 ESV)
Bad friends aren’t faithful
“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” (Psalm 41:9 ESV)
Good friends encourage each other to love and do good works
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:24-25 ESV)
Good Friends use their gifts to serve one another
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10 ESV)
