Closer Than A Brother.Sýnishorn

Who Are Your Friends?

The wisdom disclosed in Proverbs 18:24‬ can be revealed when you unpack this scripture across various Bible versions. First, let us examine Proverbs‬ ‭18:24‬ ‭‬‬in the New Living Translation (NLT), “There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs‬ ‭18:24‬ New Living Translation (NLT) teaches us that there are so called “friends” who gossip about one another and talk about each other behind their “friends’” back.

Examine the quality of your character and who you call “friend.” Are you gossiping about them behind their back? Are others bringing gossip to you about your “friend”? True friends don’t gossip about one another. True friends defend one another. Consider your circle. Consider your counsel.

Next, let’s examine Proverbs‬ ‭18:24‬ ‭‬‬in the Amplified Classic (AMPC). Proverbs‬ ‭18:24‬ ‭AMPC‬‬ states, “The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” The Amplified Version expounds on the ‬”man of many friends”. 

A person of many friends will have many alliances and divided allegiances. It is possible to stretch yourself thin and spread yourself across too many relationships and become a bad friend to all. Consider who you‘re a friend to. Consider who you are accountable to. Consider who you call friend.  Consider who calls you friend.