The first seven chapters of Proverbs contain Solomon's wise counsel aimed at "his son" (Prov. 1:8; 2: 1; 3: 1). He deals with temptations and problems all young people face, such as sexual immorality, choosing a mate and determining the value of an education. Modem parents would do well to read and explain these chapters to their children.
Choose Friends
Carefully
Solomon addresses
one of the most important choices a young person can make, i.e., their
choice of friends (Prov. 1:8-19). It is ' unfortunate that important decisions
in life have to be made by those who lack the experience and wisdom needed
to help them make the proper choices. This is why parents need to help
their children choose their friends. Solomon instructs us that "the righteous
should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them
astray" (Prov. 12:26). 1 have observed in the public schools that the worst
children are often the easiest to make friends with. Friendships are so
important; we must not let them develop "by chance."
Choosing the wrong sort of friends is worse than having no friends at all, Paul warns us that "evil company corrupts good morals" (I Cor. 15:33). Friends have much influence over us. Their ideas soon become ours. My mother used to tell me that "birds of a feather flock together." Solomon expressed the same thought when he said, "Ha who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed" (Prov. 13:20).
Through the pen of the wise man, God tells us to "make no friendship with an angry man and with furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul" (Prov. 22:24-25). Be A Friend "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov. 18:24). If you want good friends, be one yourself!
A true friend is one who will strengthen us spiritually and draw us closer to God. "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" (Prov. 27:17). When a godly friend sees error in our life, he will not hesitate to admonish us. Some folks get upset when confronted with the truth, but those who desire to live for the Lord will rejoice in the fact that another cares for their soul. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (Prov. 27:6).
While we might enjoy our friends because we have similar interests and life-styles, the real delight of friendship comes from their counsel. "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend does so by hearty counsel" (Prov. 27:9). You can be open with a friend, and know his advice comes from a desire to see you prosper in the Lord.
Marry A Friend
Your spouse
will be the closest earthly friend you will ever have. Since marriage is
a lifelong commitment, great care must be taken in choosing this friend
for life. Since ~ friends exercise such great influence over us, parents
need to encourage their children to marry a Christian. I would not want
to spend my life with one who did not share my hope of eternal life. The
prophet Amos asked, "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" (Amos
3:3). Can you and your spouse agree on how to worship God?
The Friend of God
Jesus said, "You are My friends
if you do whatever I command you" (John 15:14). We often boldly sing, "I'll
Be A Friend To Jesus"' -but do we meet the standard of friendship our Lord
laid down? We are the friends of Jesus only to the extent that we are willing
to submit our will to His.
David A. Padfield