Page 147 - The Prosperous Way _ (APRIL 2024 v3)

THE PROSPEROUS SOUL

All of this is to suggest that, as we travel through life, we must remember
that those with whom we share the journey are an important element
of true prosperity. Along the road, we will travel with family and friends,
coworkers and customers, employees and employers, members of our
local church, and so on. How we connect with individuals around us
has a tremendous impact on our quality of life and personal well-being.

FINDING A FRIEND AND BEING A FRIEND

So, what does it take to build relationships that enrich and enhance our
lives, particularly with respect to friendship? Let's start with a simple
definition of friendship. A friend, according to Merriam-Webster's online
dictionary, is someone with whom we share mutual affection and
esteem. To have affection for someone implies that you like them; you
enjoy their conversation and find their company pleasant. As simple as
it may sound, when looking for a possible friend, consider the people
you currently know and enjoy being around. Similarly, there are people
you respect and like, such as coworkers, who could become friends.

The Bible teaches that liking or esteeming a person is not the only
criteria for selecting a friend. Proverbs 12:26 states that "The righteous
choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them
astray." Friends chosen for "political" or "socially advantageous" motives,
for example, are frequently not actual friends and are unreachable in
times of crisis.

So, how does a "righteous" person "choose" their friends? The Scriptures
provide valuable insights into the qualities to look for when choosing a
friend. Similarly, as we offer our friendship to people whom we like and
respect, these are the qualities that we should seek to cultivate in ourself
in order to be a true friend.

BECOMING FRIENDS

The Book of Proverbs mainly deals with human nature and relationships.
What better place to begin then than Proverbs, as we explore the
attributes we should cultivate in ourselves and look for in
others as we seek to form lasting friendships. Here are some key verses
from Proverbs to get us started.

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