Proverbs 18:22-24 – Building true friendship

Thomas Aquinas, a medieval scholar said, “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than friendship.” We all need friends, good friends. They value add to our life. True friends provide the assurance that no matter what and when, they will be there when you need them most. Without friends, life can be dreary and measly. That’s why elsewhere in the book of Proverbs we are told that “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” Here in Proverbs 18:22-24, we see the value of having a good friend.  

Proverbs 18:22 tells us that the best friend a man can have is a godly wife. It says, “He who finds a good wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the LORD.” And conversely, it must also be true that a best friend a woman can have is a godly husband. God knew that from the onset. After He had created the first man, Adam, He said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” So, God made Eve, a helpmeet fit for him. From this we surmise that a godly marriage is God’s intention and it is a blessing from Him. To have a godly spouse is truly a plus to life. A godly spouse helps one to advance spiritually and morally. This is certainly an asset from God. Husband and wife should seek to be each other’s best friend and counsel in life’s journey.

There is nothing wrong with having riches but it can become a hindrance to friendship when one lacks generosity. It is true that riches can cause a person to be indifferent and heartless toward the poor. The rich should not allow their wealth to separate them from the poor but to show compassion instead. This verse serves as a call for one not to be blinded by riches till he will not associate with people who are needy.

The essence of verse 24 is this: a handful of good friends is better than a multiple dozens of bad ones. Wisdom dictates that we make friends sensibly and sagaciously. There are lots of unscrupulous, unprincipled people out there seeking to cheat and take advantage of those who are gullible and undiscerning. We should not indiscriminately multiply friends. It is wise therefore, to choose one’s friends carefully. They can influence us for good or for evil. It is better to have few but good friends than have plenty of bad ones. However, there is one that we cannot afford not to have. He is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He tells us that there is no greater love than His. He is the friend that has laid down His life for us. And now He walks with us through the thick and thin of life, if we let Him. He promises to never leave or forsake us. What a friend we have in Jesus! Don’t neglect but cultivate and nurture a deeper friendship with Him. We will never regret it.