Wisdom & Friendship

Sermon Introduction

As a community of believers, it is good to develop bonds of friendship. We all have the same Lord and Savior, and we all submit to the Holy Scriptures. What is common between us is high, wide, and deep. More than anything the world could offer. As we develop friendships, may we be guided by the wisdom of Scripture, not the world.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr. Senior Pastor

Proverbs 12:25 NASB

Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down,
But a good word makes it glad.

Proverbs 25:20 NASB

Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or likevinegar on soda,
Is one who sings songs to a troubled heart.

Proverbs 27:5-6 NASB

5 Better is open rebuke
Than love that is concealed.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 27:9 NASB

Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
And a person’s advice is sweet to his friend.

Notes

As a community of believers, it is good to develop bonds of friendship. We all have the same Lord and Savior, and we all submit to the Holy Scriptures. What is common between us is high, wide, and deep. More than anything the world could offer. As we develop friendships, may we be guided by the wisdom of Scripture, not the world.

1. A wise friend will turn his friend from anxiety because anxiety ruins a person’s mind and emotions. Anxiety can lead a person to regretful actions. Sometimes short conversations filled with wisdom can remove anxiety and bring gladness.

   Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down,

   But a good word makes it glad (12:25).

2. A wise friend will rebuke his or her friend instead of always agreeing. It may be uncomfortable but it is what wise friends do. A wise friend will receive the correction from his or her friend even if it hurts.

   Better is open rebuke

   Than love that is concealed.

   Faithful are the wounds of a friend,

   But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy (27:5-6).

3. A wise friend will allow his or her friend to grieve for a season. People need to grieve especially if a loved one passed away. We should not cheer a person before it is time. Allow them to grieve their loss, then support them as they find a way to re-start.

   Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda,

   Is one who sings songs to a troubled heart (25:20).

4. A wise friend will give good advice. Thus, let us grow in wisdom. It is normal to seek advice from friends. A friend’s advice is like honey cakes, sweet and comforting, but it is possible for friends to offer the wrong advice. Hopefully, we give wise counsel. Thus, friends should grow in the wisdom of His word.

   Oil and perfume make the heart glad,

   And a person’s advice is sweet to his friend (27:9).

Reflection & Discussion

1. How may we turn our friends away from anxiety?

2. Why is it difficult for some of us to rebuke our friends?

3. How should we support our grieving friends?

4. Why should we grow in wisdom if we desire our friendships to flourish?