Characteristics of Friends

The Gospel for Life

Characteristics of Friends
Really about being a godly individual (displaying in our lives the character of God ~ fruit of the Spirit in relationships)
 Galatians 5:19-26
 Colossians 3:5-14
 Philippians 2:1-4
Simply put, in friendship we should practice the “Golden Rule”
 Matthew 7:12 – “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and
the Prophets.
So, practically, what does this look like?
 Communication [true, necessary, and kind]
 Candor
 Commitment/Closeness/Constancy (faithfulness)
 Counsel
Proverbs that address this:
 Prov. 12:18 – There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
 Prov. 14:29 – Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
 Prov. 15:28 – The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil
things.
 Prov. 16:28 – A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
 Prov. 17:9 – Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
 Prov. 17:28 – Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed
intelligent.
 Prov. 18:13 – If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
 Prov. 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
 Prov. 20:19 – Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore, do not associate with a simple
babbler.
 Prov. 25:11 – A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
 Prov. 27:5–6 – Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the
kisses of an enemy.
 Prov. 27:10 – Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the
day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.
 Prov. 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
 Prov. 28:23 – Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.
 Prov. 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
 Prov. 18:24 – A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a
brother.
 Prov. 20:5 – The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
 Prov. 20:6 – Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?
 Prov. 15:22 – Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
 Prov. 24:6 – for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
 Prov. 27:9 – Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. Remember, we live in a fallen and broken world ~ effects relationships

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