Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:24

by David Chadwick

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there’s a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:24

Today, we are going to look at Proverbs 18:24, which says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there’s a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

There is a significant difference between acquaintances and a true friend. Most everyone has many acquaintances: neighbors, co-workers, people you bump into at your children’s schools or sporting events, and so forth. You interact with these people. You talk. You may even say hello. But there is little depth.

In fact, people may have many acquaintances, or companions, but are severely lacking when it comes to experiencing the kinds of blessings that only true friends can bring.

A true friend is someone who sticks even closer than a brother or sister in your immediate family. These are the kinds of people who are there in your toughest times. When life stinks. When others have deserted you. These are the ones who remain.

They are present with you immediately in a time of need. They are always just a text or phone call away. Unlike Job’s three friends who came to him in his distress and pontificated about God’s “why” he was going through all his tragedy and pain, even suggesting it was because of some sin he had committed, a true friend is a master of what many refer to as “the ministry of presence.” Seldom saying a word. With a hand on your shoulder. Holding your hand. Rejoicing with you in joys and weeping with you in sorrows (Romans 12:15).

Do you have this kind of friend? If so, at some time today, call, text, email, or write a letter to that person and simply thank him or her for being a friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister. These people are what some call “forever friends.” They are more valuable than all of the money in the world.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:21

by David Chadwick

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

Proverbs 18:21

Did you know that our words are powerful? The Bible says the tongue is a small, yet powerful, part of the body and that we should keep a tight rein on it. It is powerful enough to even corrupt the whole body and set the whole course of one’s life on fire (James 3:1-12).

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Death and life are certainly two extremes. It should sober all of us that something as small as the tongue in our mouths has the ability to bring about two diametrically different end results.

Solomon knew the importance of words and regularly addressed the significance of the tongue, including the power and the danger of our words.

In today’s proverb, Solomon was emphasizing that words can either lift up or tear down. They can either drive toward despair or give eternal hope. They can cause lifelong scars or they can bind broken hearts. They can push toward depression or lift weary souls. They can win or lose games in sports or success in business. They truly do bring either death or life.

As my mom used to say, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything at all.”

We all must learn the power of the tongue and use it to speak life and to encourage others… especially to the next generation. Children desperately need to hear words of life from their parents, teachers, coaches, and other leaders. They are so eager to be encouraged and edified. They want to hear that you are proud of them.

When we ingest food, it enters into our bodies and affects it. The same is true with words. Whether it’s words we speak or hear, and whether good or bad, we internalize words and reap the effects of whatever we ingest. And sometimes they go deep within us and rummage around for a lifetime.

So how should you apply this truth to your everyday life? First, guard your words. Be aware of what you are saying and use discretion. Secondly, speak positive words. Use your words to give life and motivate you and others. After all, death and life are in the power of the tongue.

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:17

by David Chadwick

“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.”

Proverbs 18:17

Have you ever heard the phrase, “There are two sides to every story?” Or what about this one, “There are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth.”

Today’s proverb says something similar: “The one who states his case first seems right; until the other comes and examines him” Proverbs 18:17.

If you have lived life for any amount of time, you have most likely found yourself in perplexing situations where the truth has been hard to discern. One side says one thing and the other side says something different. More than ever, we are living in times where this seems to be common.

We should all be able to easily see how true today’s proverb is! You hear one person’s perspective on an issue and it seems accurate. This person tells you what he or she has seen and it seems right. In fact, his or her account sounds like the truth in every possible way. You might even nod in approval as you listen to his or her perspective.

But then you hear the other side of the story from another person. Until this other perspective is given to you, you would have never thought it existed. Suddenly you realize that there is another side. All of the sudden, things don’t feel quite so clear.

This proverb’s truth often plays out in a court of law. One lawyer asks a witness to give his perspective, and it seems right until the other lawyer has a chance to respond and cross-examine that witness. Many situations require tremendous wisdom in order to accurately come to a wise conclusion.

So what does this mean for us today?

Always make sure you hear both sides of a case before drawing a conclusion. People often examine an issue from their own perspective and even personal pain. Or, if directly involved in the dispute, people often listen with a bias and may be looking to build their own case.

More often than not, there is another side to hear. Make sure you hear both, asking the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and discernment for where the actual truth lies (1 Corinthians 12:10).