Proverbs: Lessons in Wisdom – 07.31.22

The Wisdom of Friendships

Scripture:  Prov.17:17, 18:1,25:17, 25:20, 27:9, 27:17 1 John 1:7, John 15:15

Connect: Who is your dearest friend and why are they so special to you? What makes a good friend?  

Engage: Read the scriptures, how do these Scriptures sit with you? Have you had experiences with the people that show these qualities if you do not why is that?  

Adults have a lot to learn from children about friendships. As you notice friendships of children what do you notice with children’s friendships?

Zach talked about 3 qualities of Good Friends

1. Walk side by side – Proverbs 18:24

1. You are going to become like your friends -Walking side by side, how have your friends walked alongside you? How have you walked along the side of your friends. Where do you think as a society right now, we are in friendships?

           C. S. Lewis quote: Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.  What strikes you with this quote? 
   Walking with someone in a common purpose – Where are you working with someone for a common purpose?

2. Good Friends give the best to you

1. Proverbs 26:18

Cannot be flippant, needs to be honest and sees when people are hurting and in pain. Proverbs 26:1 
Our phones are killing friendships and we do not have time for friends. We are too busy.
Proverbs 25:20
Where have you experienced someone giving the best to you?

3. Good Friends encourage the best in you.

1. Proverbs 27: 17
2. Where has a friend encouraged the best in you? Where have you have had friends who have spoken hard things to you? What were both those things like for you?
3. 1 John 1:7 talks about walking in the light – do you have friends that you can totally be honest with ?
4. John 15:15,How do  you experience Christ as a friend? Is it hard for you to see Christ as your friend? How could you develop that friendship with Christ? 

Apply:  How are you with friendships? How are you about being a friend? Where do you need to improve in being a friend?  What is one action point can you do this week to be a good friend to someone?