photo #5751071

Together in Christ: 'The Counsel of a Friend' — Proverbs 27:9 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. — Proverbs 27:9 NLT Key Thought Some people are know-it-alls who constantly give their advice to others. Our proverb today is not praising that kind of person. "Heartfelt counsel" comes from a listening ear and a heart full of empathy. Such people are "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." [1] They are the type of people who join their hearts with another as they weave their friendship together with the Lord as their third strand in a strong cord of love and grace. [2] To be qualified to offer this "heartfelt counsel," friends need to be there for the other person regardless of the difficulties life brings. [3] When we are this kind of friend, we can bring a precious gift to the other person with our words that bring life [4] — words that are "as sweet as perfume and incense." [1] James 1:19. [2] Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. [3] Proverbs 18:24; Galatians 6:2-3. [4] Proverbs 10:11, 15:4. TODAY'S PRAYER My Father and God, please mold me to be like Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit so my words will bring life to those I love. Dear Jesus, help me be more like You as I seek to listen fully to others and then speak Your love and grace into their lives and encourage them in their walk with You. Amen. RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS Job 4:3-4, 16:2-6 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 5:11; Romans 12:8