Day 48: Prosper in Friendships Neil Kennedy FIVESTARMAN Proverbs 17:9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Principle Don’t be a fault finder. I saw a family member take offense. You could see the physical change in his face – bitterness became a heavy burden to bare. It was a moment that changed his life and devastated relationships that he once held dear. He has since lived his life distancing himself from anyone and everyone. Now, he is a lonely and sad person with a hardened heart and a frowned countenance. I witnessed a daughter take offense when her father restricted her from eating a second helping of birthday cake. I’m sure that he didn’t mean to cause such an emotional wound, but she took one that wreaked havoc upon her life – plunging her into a life cycle of addiction and eating disorders. Our Advisor warns us not to dwell on the faults of others – don’t allow them to occupy our minds. When we do, our thoughts become delusional – crafting all kinds of false scenarios. It causes us to forfeit friends and lose dear relationships. However, if we forgive faults, we actually prosper in relationships. Our friendships can become stronger and even better when we overlook offense. Remember: Forgive and it will be forgiven. Proverbs 17 1Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict. 2A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son and will share the inheritance of the master’s children. 3Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart. 4Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander. 5Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished. 6Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. 7Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler. 8A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper! 9Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. 10A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. 11Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severely punished. 12It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness. 13If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house. 14Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. 15Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— both are detestable to the Lord. 16It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool, since he has no heart for learning. 17A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. 18It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend. 19Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster. 20The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble. 21It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel. 22A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. 23The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice. 24Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth. 25Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth. 26It is wrong to punish the godly for being good or to flog leaders for being honest. 27A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. 28Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:51:47 +0000
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