A
True Friend Sticks Closer
Than One's Nearest Kin
The human spirit will endure sickness;
but a broken spirit - who can bear? An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and
the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. A gift opens doors; it gives access to the
great. The one who first states a case seems right, until the other comes and
cross-examines. Casting the lot puts an end to disputes and decides between
powerful contenders. An ally offended is stronger than a city; such quarreling
is like the bars of a castle. From the fruit of the mouth one's stomach is
satisfied; the yield of the lips brings satisfaction. Death and life are in the
power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.
The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. Some friends play at
friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin.
Proverbs 18:14-24
Death frightens many of us and makes us
feel awkward in the presence of a terminally ill person. But our greatest
opportunities to help someone in the name of Jesus may come during a person's
final days on earth.
Jesus is both our Great Physician and our
Friend, and He promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. He calls
us to stand with our friends and family in His name as their earthly journey
nears its end. That is what a true friend would do.
A true friend
stays true to the end.
Our
Daily Bread -