28/02/2025
Proverbs 27:9
Oil and perfume make the heart glad;
So does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart.
Recognizing true counsel from a friend can be vital for your well-being. Here are some signs to look for:
1. **Honesty**: A true friend will provide honest feedback, even if it’s difficult to hear; they care enough to tell you the truth (Proverbs27:6)
2. **Supportive Attitude**: They genuinely want what’s best for you and offer encouragement and support in your decisions (Ecclesiastes4:9-10).
3. **Wisdom Rooted in Love**: Their advice aligns with biblical principles and reflects love and compassion rather than judgment (Ephesians4:15).
4. **Active Listening**: A good friend listens carefully to your concerns before offering advice, showing that they value your feelings (James1:19).
5. **Consistency**: They consistently show up for you, providing guidance over time rather than just during moments of crisis (Proverbs17:17).
6. **Pray Together**: True friends often pray with and for each other, seeking God’s guidance together (Matthew18:20).
7. **Encouragement Toward Growth**: Their counsel encourages you to grow closer to God and become the person He created you to be (Colossians3:16).