#proverbs 18:24

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Closer Than a Brother

A man of many friends comes to destruction, / But there is a true friend that sticks closer than a brother. — Proverbs 18:24 | Recovery Version (REC) The Recovery Version of the Holy Bible © 2009 Living Stream Ministry. All rights reserved. Cross References: John 15:14-15; Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 27:10

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Commentary on Proverbs 18:24

[wiirocku]

Proverbs 18:24 (CEV) - Some friends don't help, but a true friend is closer than your own family.

[soaringeaglesingingjoy]

True Friendship

Would you rather have hundreds of “friends” who know you, but don’t really know you—who call you a friend, but only when it’s convenient? Or, would you rather have one true friend who always sticks by your side?

The writer of Proverbs, typically attributed to King Solomon, said this:

“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:24‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

Some friends come into our lives because of proximity: you work at the same business, your kids go to the same school, or you frequent the same places. But just because you know someone’s name and follow each other on social media, doesn’t mean you’re true friends.

When it comes to genuine friendship, quality over quantity is key.

Even the truest of friends will occasionally let you down, because no one is perfect—except Jesus. He is the truest friend of all.

Learning from Jesus’ example, there are certain characteristics that describe a true and godly friend …

Do they love God? A true friend is one who will ultimately point you back to your Creator and Savior. Who will wrestle through your questions and doubts with you, without judgment or condemnation. Who will speak the truth in love, even when it’s hard. Who will seek to glorify God and honor you as their friend.

Are they willing to work through the hard stuff? Most people are happy to be friends when things are easy, positive, and thriving, but not as many stick around when life gets tough. When you’re sick, when you’re discouraged, when you’ve been misunderstood, or when one of you needs to be lovingly corrected, you need more than just a fair-weather friend.

Are they willing to look beyond themselves? In John 15:13 Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus modeled this by giving His life for ours. They might not have to sacrifice their physical life, but are they willing to serve the people they love? Are they willing to put God first, others second, and themselves third?

All these questions are great guidelines when looking for solid friendships. But before you look for a friend with these characteristics, first make sure you look in the mirror. If you want to have these friendships, then you need to be the kind of friend who lives out these characteristics with integrity and grace. Be the true friend you desire.

[walkswithmyfather]

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” —Psalm 139:7‭-‬10 (NIV)

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” —John 14:16‭-‬17 (NKJV)

“Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.” —Psalm 139:12 (NASB)

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” —Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)

“God Is Near” By In Touch Ministries:

“The Lord wants you to know that you’re never alone.”

“Do you ever find yourself asking the question, “Lord, where are You?” Today’s reading is your reminder that God is near, even when His presence is difficult to perceive—and even when you’re completely unaware of Him.

David reflects, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (v. 7). In asking these questions, David communicates that no matter where we might go, the Lord is right there with us. What a comfort to realize we are never beyond the reach of a God who is full of lovingkindness, mercy, and comfort.

In fact, our heavenly Father is and has been with believers every single day. We walk in the presence of the living God, whose Spirit lives in us (John 14:16-17). No matter what season of life you are in—no matter how long, short, painful, or easy it might be—God wants you to know you are never alone. What’s more, He wants you to remember that the darkness is not dark to Him (Psalm 139:12). He knows what is up ahead and will be with you as you face it.

Our faithful and omnipresent God is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). He will never leave or forsake you—on this day or any other.”

[shackled-kiyoe]

Amen 🙏🙌

[missrosemaris-stuff]

Feb. 27. 2023

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

[tom4jc]

February 27, 2023 Verse Of The Day

[tiand]

A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than A Brother (Proverbs 18:24)

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NIV

[aressida]

Feminists, I want to express how I feel when I see all of you (as someone who once held feminist views and disliked men a decade ago, but now that I have gained understanding): Enough with the sabotage!

Be the duty of a woman. -> Genesis 2:18

-> Galatians 3:28 -> 1 Timothy 2:9-15 -> 1 Corinthians 11:3 -> Titus 2:3-5 -> 1 Timothy 2:11-12 -> Ephesians 5:22-24 -> Proverbs 31:11–12 -> Genesis 3:16

[scum-belina]

really disturbing how many people I know who are happy when something bad happens to someone they dislike. Like...this is not a good look nor is it right. 

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Choose Your Friends Wisely

He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction: but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. — Proverbs 18:24 | English Revised Version (ERVB) The English Revised Version of the Holy Bible is in the public domain. Cross References: Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 27:10; John 15:14-15

[touchofgoddotworld]

He Cares For You Affectionately and Cares About You Watchfully (247) - May 25 2024

Play on other Podcast Apps 1 Peter 5:7 (AMPC) – Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. This program covers the following scriptures from the Amplified Classic version (AMPC): 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:1-2; Matthew 6:33; 1 John 4:19;…

[walkswithmyfather]

Psalms 18:2 (NLT). [2] “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”

Proverbs 3:6 (NLT). [6] “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT). [24] “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. [25] If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. [26] And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”

Friend, God bless your day and your weekend, whatever time it is where you are. Amen! 🙏🕊️🙌

[hermajestyimher]

Manifestation as a Christian: A Comprehensive Biblical Guide

Manifestation, the practice of bringing one's desires into reality through positive thinking, visualization, and affirmations, has gained significant attention in contemporary culture. For Christians, understanding and utilizing manifestation within a biblical framework can provide a powerful and faith-anchored approach to achieving goals and experiencing blessings. This guide explores the biblical basis for manifestation, aligns it with scriptural teachings, and offers practical steps for Christians to use manifestation while remaining rooted in their faith.

Biblical Basis for Manifestation

Faith and Belief

The Bible emphasizes the power of faith and belief, which are core components of manifestation:

Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Mark 11:24 - "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

The tenent highlighted in these verses shows us the importance of believing in what you ask for, reflecting the foundational principle of manifestation which many may refer to as "Law of Assumption" that faith and belief are crucial to bring things forward into reality.

Positive Confession

The Bible also teaches the power of words and the importance of speaking positively, as our words have immense power to bring forward good but also evil into our lives:

Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Romans 4:17 - "As it is written, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist."

Our words shape our reality, it's crucial that we become aware of this, so as to not allow corrupt talk to come out of our lips.

God’s Will and Alignment

Understanding and aligning with God’s will is essential in the manifestation process:

1 John 5:14-15 - "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."

Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

These verses stress the importance of aligning our desires with God's will, ensuring that our manifestations are in harmony with His divine plan, which as we will see further below, are plans to prosper us and give us a future to look forward to.

Understanding Manifestation Biblically

God as the Source

In biblical teaching, God is the ultimate source of all provision and blessing. While contemporary manifestation often emphasizes the individual's power to attract or create their reality, the Bible underscores that all good things come from God:

James 1:17 - "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

Prayer and Supplication

Believers are encouraged to bring their desires and needs to God through prayer and supplication, acknowledging their dependence on Him:

Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Gratitude is a key element in both biblical teaching and modern manifestation practices. Giving thanks, even before receiving what has been asked for, reflects faith and trust in God’s provision:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Action and Faith

Manifestation involves not just belief but also taking actionable steps towards one’s goals. The Bible supports the idea that faith should be accompanied by corresponding actions:

James 2:26 - "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead."

Ensuring Good Things by Being Anchored to God

Confidence in Prayer

1 John 5:14-15 can be connected with Jeremiah 29:11 to emphasize the assurance of God’s good intentions for us. Jeremiah 29:11 states:

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God's will is to prosper us and give us hope and a future. Therefore, when we pray in alignment with these good plans, we can be assured that God hears and answers our prayers. And when we pray with the assurance of knowing that these things we ask will come to pass, we exercise extreme faith, which is pleasing before God.

Assurance of God’s Good Plans

Knowing that God's plans are to prosper us and not to harm us provides reassurance that He will only allow what is ultimately for our benefit. Even when we face challenges or things don't go as we planned, we can trust that God’s ultimate purpose is for our good and better things are on their way:

Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Sometimes what we desire may not come to pass immediately or in the way we expect. Trusting in God’s wisdom and timing is crucial.

Manifestation as a God-Given Tool

Gift of Manifestation

Manifestation can be seen as a God-given tool that allows us to participate in bringing forth blessings and positive outcomes in our lives:

Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Being made in God's image implies that we have creative power and the ability to influence our reality. There is no greater creator than God, all creation comes from Him, and by being made in his own image, we carry the power to create with us as well.

Anchored in God

When we anchor our manifestation practices in God, we align our desires and actions with His will:

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Seeking God’s guidance and wisdom helps us discern what is truly beneficial for us:

James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Protection from Harm

When we manifest with God, we trust Him to protect us from things that might seem good but could ultimately harm us, because ultimately we are bringing forward His will for us, which as we've seen, can only be for our benefit:

Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Manifestation, when viewed as a tool given by God, becomes a powerful practice that brings blessings and positive outcomes into our lives. By anchoring ourselves in God and surrendering our desires to Him, we ensure that only good things come our way. This approach integrates the power of positive thinking and faith with a deep trust in God's perfect will and timing. By understanding and believing that God's will is inherently good and designed for our benefit, we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He will fulfill His promises to prosper us and give us hope and a future.