CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS! A good friend is a treasure. A bad friend, or a friend with a different outlook, can be a disaster. God gives us many warnings to guide us in choosing our friends. 1. Friendship from the beginning! Genesis 2:18. And the LORD God said: It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him. Friendship in marriage is very necessary and important. Marriage also requires a foundation of faith. Single people can live happily if they have close friends. Paul was single but was a close friend to many. True love is rare, true friendship is rarer still. La Fontaine 2. The value of a friend? Proverbs 27:9. Oil and perfume delight the soul: so sweet is the counsel of a friend. It is better to walk with a friend in the dark than to walk alone in the light. Helen Keller John 15:13. Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 2 Samuel 1:26. (Revised Version) My heart is broken for you, my brother Jonathan; you have satisfied my soul; your love for me is wonderful, more than the love of women. 3. The harm of keeping bad company. Deuteronomy 7:3, 4, 6. You shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons. 4 For they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods; then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you and he will destroy you quickly… 6 For you are a people holy to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for himself, above all the peoples on the face of the earth. Joshua 9. The Gibeonites make a pact with Israel by deception Proverbs 13:20. He who walks with wise persons will become wise, but he who keeps company with fools will be ruined. “When I see, I am transformed.” – the impact of the internet - The people and things we love influence our habits. Tell me who you associate with, and I will judge you for who you are. Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. It is dangerous to associate with people who do not worship God. We may unwittingly adopt some of their habits. Their lack of respect for our spiritual beliefs may weaken our character, and we will adopt their ways. Birds of a feather flock together. Luke 23:12. Pilate and Herod were enemies before, but that day they became friends. 4. How Christians choose friends! Psalm 119:63. I am a friend to all who fear God, and to all who keep His commandments. To have good friends, we must first be a good friend. Elbert Hubbard Make friends and lead them to Christ. Some people accepted Christ through friendship. Mark 5:19. But Jesus did not allow him, saying to him, Go home to your friends, and tell them how great things the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you. Make friends with new believers. Proverbs 27:17. Iron sharpens iron. So a man sharpens the appearance of his friends. John 15:14. You are my friends if you do what I command you.