Parenting by the Book
STUDY 320
Text: Proverbs 27
12 August 2007
Dear Parents,
THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP
How blessed we are to have great friends. May we never take for granted the friends that we are blessed with. Let us consider the joys that we may derive from friendship.
Ointment and perfume delight the heart,
And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight
by hearty counsel.Proverbs 27:9
1. That which brings delight
a) Ointment and perfume
This is not a reference to the scents that women use.
b) A reference to the things that are offered to guests (friends)
In the Ancient Near East, it was customary to offer guests (friends) “ointment and perfume” as part of the way of “freshening up” after a long journey on the road.
c) There are few things that bring as much delight to the heart as “ointment and perfume” after a refreshing wash. (Traveling in heat of the sun, and in the dust can cause a traveler to be very weary.)
2. The comparison made
a) Friendship is obviously in mind.
There is no question about the fact that this proverb is speaking about friendship.
b) Friendship is described as “sweetness”.
c) Hearty counsel
i) Good and solid counsel
ii) Wise and genuine words of advice
These are compared to “ointment and perfume” that bring delight to the soul.
TEACH CHILDREN TO CULTIVATE GOOD FRIENDSHIPS
Making and having friends is a natural part of life. Let us encourage our children to cultivate good and strong friendships.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie