Friends make the world feel better. In a world where we don’t always know what is the next popular or pervasive viewpoint, we can always trust God’s word.

Have you ever experienced a counseling session (with a true friend) that may have been earnest enough to “kick your butt”? If so, you will understand this Proverb.

I happened to overhear one of these sessions just a few weeks ago. The friend was telling the other woman how to act, after being dumped. The friend’s counsel was , “You won’t check your phone, you won’t put life on hold while hoping to make ammends, you will move forward in confidence and hold your head high”.

If you’re feeling low or just alone, be sure to reach out to a friend. Remember that true friends are always there for you (not just when there is something in it for them).

Whether someone has been unfaithful, unethical or just plain unfriendly, seek out a true friend’s sweetness aka counsel. They will help you know how to respond in spite of your inner feelings.

Gladness of heart arises when we smell sweet incense. This odor is pleasing and reminds us of God’s friendship extended to us through His son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

I was once a “pacman” with a voracious appetite for what could not satisfy me: all mouth. Knowing Jesus, I sprouted arms and legs, even a head with more than just this instinctive mouth. He has brought a heart back into my “tin” chest. To be in awe of God is the beginning of wisdom and fills the rooms of our house with precious treasure. (Proverbs 24: 3,4 -3 “By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.”)

Proverbs 27:9 (ESV)

9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.[a]

Footnotes

Proverbs 27:9 Or and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel