Parenting by the Book
STUDY 321
Text: Proverbs 27
19 August 2007
Dear Parents,
BEING TRUE TO FRIENDS
The subject of “friendship” is very rich and worth exploring in depth. Let us ponder the following proverb on the subject of worship.
Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,
Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbour nearby than a brother far away.Proverbs 27:10
The focus of this text is on being a good and true friend to others! One must learn how to be a good friend!
1. A true friend never forsakes
a) He will never forsake a friend.
b) He will never forsake an old family friend.
2. He will never take advantage of friendship
a) Calamities may be experienced.
b) But he will never take advantage of the situation.
c) He will not lay claim on friendship and exploit friendship for personal gain.
LOFTY CONCEPT OF FRIENDSHIP
What a lofty concept of friendship is being taught in this proverb! This is an ideal that is worth imparting to our children.
EXTENDING THE CONCEPT FURTHER
The concept of being a good “neighbour”
a) He is of course “nearby”
This is not just a description of physical proximity alone. It describes a true friend who is always “nearby” and willing to help.
b) A brother far away
There are “brothers” but they are sometimes “far away” and their “distance” render them unable to help!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie