PROVERBS 18
Proverbs 18:24
"A person of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."This verse has always held a special place in my heart. It was handwritten on the inside cover of a book I received at my high school graduation party—a gift from my youth pastor, Mark. Even now, decades later, his influence on my life and faith remains significant. Though time, distance, and life have naturally changed the closeness of our relationship, his impact on my spiritual journey has never faded.
During those formative years—ages 16 to 18—Mark’s guidance shaped so much of who I was becoming. He was the reason I chose Mount Vernon for college, the reason I stepped into ministry, and the reason I stayed the course when I was tempted to drift. His voice was a steady one, gently and consistently pointing me back to Jesus when I wandered. At 18, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of Proverbs 18:24. But now, at 52, I see it with much greater clarity—and I’m grateful for the wisdom he was trying to pass along, even though I likely wasn’t ready to receive it back then.
What he was trying to teach me was this: when life is good, friends are often easy to come by—just like the prodigal son in his early days. But when life gets hard, that’s when your true friends reveal themselves. His note in that book was a quiet promise: “I’m here, no matter what.”
And while Solomon speaks to the importance of meaningful, lasting friendships, his words also point us to the One who embodies this truth perfectly—Jesus. He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother. The One who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. No matter what we’ve done, no matter where we find ourselves, His presence and love remain constant.
PRAYERFather, thank You for the true friends You’ve brought into my life—both those who are still present and those whom time or distance has taken in a different direction. I’m especially thankful for Your Son, Jesus, the ultimate friend who remains faithful through every season. Thank You for His grace, His love, and His steady presence in my life. Help me to be that kind of friend to others. Amen.