Bible verses on friends teaches us about human interaction, which we expound on below. We touch on topics such as women, envy, who we associate with, exercising authority, problems of pride, and other related areas. We hope you find our post useful.
Treating and interacting with women Sirach 9:1-9
In all things women, be careful. Your wife is your better half, her good fortune is yours, just as yours is hers. Do not ever be jealous of her, or her of you. In the almighty's eyes, you are one. Women have their ways and relate to each other differently from their male counterparts. They are to be treated with deference but casual entanglements are not to be encouraged. This might be considered an old way of thinking, but it remains the case in many cultures across the globe.
Bible verses on friends and who you associate with Sirach 9:13-18
Friends are a gift from God. Follow His precepts and these will follow. The ungodly are interested largely in pleasure and gain and nothing else. It’s easy to get caught up in their desires and to forget the creator of all life. Persevere in the straight and narrow, following the Lord's precepts.
The base concern themselves with pleasure and gain. I used to love watching mafia movies, but with what I know today, I find them intolerable. You take a life, for commercial gain; you kill people on the streets, for the right to sell them drugs. Madness is what it is; a life devoid of God and uncaring of an ultimate reckoning.
Stay close to those that seek wisdom and follow the Lord's precepts by action and not just word. As for what comes out of your mouth, be very careful. You are judged on every word that you utter or thought you share. If you can control your speech and thoughts, you will live a very blessed life indeed.
On exercising authority Sirach 10:1-5
Where there is flagrant injustice, corruption, murder, and the like, look at the leadership, for they are to blame. A wise ruler passes on the benefits of wise judgment to his people. As education and wisdom increase, so do justice and morality grow. A well-educated population (especially in the ways of wisdom), replaces base desires with spiritual ones.
Sir Thomas More, a Saint in the Catholic and Anglican traditions said something to the effect that “A government that ill educates its people, and expects anything other than recalcitrant behaviour is fooling itself”
Only wisdom determines who rules and who does not. The Lord gives us who we deserve.
Bible verses on friends and Pride Sirach 10:6-18
How can a creature that is dust and ashes be proud? In this life, revere your maker and love your neighbour, and it will be well for you at the end of the days. There will be recognition and recompense for the good that we will have done.
Varancx- The blind leading the blind
Bible verses on friends and being human Sirach 10:19-29
This is all about showing reverence to the Lord's precepts, walking in humility even when you are blessed with much, and never making a show of how important you are. In my observation, the great are accorded honour by others; they don’t accord it to themselves. Fools, exalt themselves.
Humility is a learned practice, it does not come naturally, and certainly not easy since it is counter to our natural instinct of self-importance.
Knowledge and Intelligence Sirach 10:30-31
It doesn’t follow that the two don’t go hand in hand. We pray for both wisdom and wealth, the wisdom to acquire the wealth; and the wealth of wisdom to maintain it.
On humility Sirach 11:1-3
Humility and natural intelligence can raise you to great heights; for humility has God's approval. As for the size or look of a man, these are of no consequence. Focus more on his thoughts, speech, and actions. Was David not a slight fellow compared to his brothers, but he was first a Lion slaying Shepherd, then a Giant slayer, and then a King. The story does not end there however, he proceeded to become an adulterer and a killer of an innocent man, and a warmonger. Wisdom does not remain in one perpetually without effort. She demands continual obeisance to her, and if you fail to heed her, she flees.
Bible verses on friends and exalting oneself Sirach 11:4-6
Be careful about resting and glorifying your laurels. Approach success with humility, knowing full well that better men have not been given the honor or opportunity; and those better that have, may have failed. Such an attitude keeps pride at bay.
On being judicious Sirach 11:7-9
On finding fault, remember the Wisdom of Solomon and the two women. Listen to both sides first before arriving at a decision. As for listening, never respond unless you fully understand what you are being asked. As a general rule, stay out of other people’s businesses, unless it’s a matter of public interest and justice. Yes, we who are able, must speak out for what is right but do not be tricked by friends and enemies alike to involve ourselves in a matter that does not concern you.
On relying largely on God Sirach 11: 10-28
Have a plan for everything that you do. What best suits you, will come from within you, and if you call on wisdom, she will direct you on what is best. Don’t be swayed by every fad that comes along. Take the time to know yourself and seek out what comes naturally.
If you are attracted to what is mundane and probably saturated, know that there is a reason for it. The way that you approach something, is not the same way others do. We are all gifted differently; let these gifts given to us by wisdom direct you. Don’t build castles in the air; wisdom cannot be presumed. Focus on where you are and what you have and thank her, for many don’t have anything at all.
Pray for guidance for the future. Have a plan, but don’t presume its success. Never say you have enough. Remember the parable of the rich old fool? Always seek wise counsel, enjoy what you have, and make the needs of your neighbour lighter. No plans cannot go awry, and with this in mind know that you rely on her graciousness for your advancement.
Bible verses on friends and being careful of evil Sirach 11:29-34
This goes back to trusting too easily. You have self-worth by being a human being. Don’t ingratiate yourself to others to the point of ignoring the natural warning signs that come from listening and looking at the actions committed by those you call friends. The words they utter, the thoughts they share, the ultimate things they love, and how they carry themselves; observe these things, and you will know the kind of person you associate with.
Bible verses on friends and being godly Sirach 12:1-4
Naturally, all people of goodwill want to aid their neighbour. It is however incumbent upon us not to give without thought. Many scoundrels will masquerade as needy and scuttle your good intentions. Indeed, the sin lies with them, but one should exercise due care. The same goes for friends, know their worth to you as friends by listening to what they say, and observing how they act; don’t be too quick to call them friends. I find that in the same way you know a man by word and deed, the same goes for institutions purporting to help the needy.
On helping others Sirach 12: 5-7
Again the principle of observing and listening to friends or would-be friends should be used. It’s no different from the way banks look at character and integrity as key items, even before the ability to repay a loan. Don’t call anyone your friend, until they have been properly tested. Listen to their speech, understand their thoughts, and watch their actions and you will know the measure of the man you associate with.
Bible verses on friends and enemies Sirach
12:8-9
Bible verses on friends and enemies Sirach 12:8-9
The expression fair weather friend is given more meaning here. If you are doing well, everyone is your friend, for your needs are largely self-met. The contrast is true; you will know your enemies and true friends when you must reach out to others for assistance. To better understand your enemy, watch their gestures and try to see who seems unhappy about your progress, and who is glad about your failure. Just watch, observe and listen. It will come. Nobody can hide his true character for too long. In the interim, keep your thoughts and observations to yourself.
On
enemies Sirach
12:10-18
On enemies Sirach 12:10-18
This is a hard one. Schemers like this exist everywhere, the trick is to stay away from them. How do you stay away? Simple, look for those whose ultimate joy is a love of wisdom, and who practice the same. Words, speech, writing, gestures, character, and so on. Observe these before letting them into your heart. Wisdom will guide you to the kind of people that deserve your company.
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This post first appeared on Sayings Of The Wise: Bible Proverbs For Success, please read the originial post: here