We all need words of enlightenment sometimes. We might need advice, some words of wisdom, reassurance. I was inspired so I decided to share this enlightenment with others, because we all deserve a good word or two. Today I’m starting a new series called Reflections, where we will reflect on words of wisdom and I will share my interpretation of the words, if that helps anyone for their very own interpretation. If it doesn’t then just read the verses and do with them what you please. Today, we’re focusing on one of my favorite verses at the moment about friends because I know I’ve needed to hear this multiple times in my life. 

“When you gain friends, gain them through testing,

and do not be quick to trust them.

For there are friends when it suits them,

but they will not be around in time of trouble.

Another is a friend who turns into an enemy,

and tells of the quarrel to your disgrace.

Others are friends, table companions,

but they cannot be found in time of affliction.

When things go well, they are your other self,

and lord it over your servants.

If disaster comes upon you, they turn against you

and hide themselves.

Stay away from your enemies,

and be on guard with your friends.

Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter;

whoever finds one finds a treasure.

Faithful friends are beyond price,

no amount can balance their worth.

Faithful friends are life-saving medicine;

those who fear God will find them.

Those who fear the Lord enjoy stable friendship,

for as they are, so will their neighbors be.”

– Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 6: 7-17 –

Scripture is like poetry, truly beautiful and very descriptive. The Word mentions 4 types of “friends,” but only one is true. The first showcases the behavior of a fair-weather friend. Someone who is there for all the good times, but when things get dark and tough and you need help, they’re the first to flee. The next is a ‘friend” who merely befriends you to find out your deepest secrets just to turn everyone against you. I know how that feels. The third is another form of a fair-weather friend who wants you for your belongings or power or knowledge or really anything that might benefit them. But when things get tense between you guys and you argue, they don’t face the music and lock themselves away. The fourth, much harder to find than the lot of them, is a faithful friend who will be there for the good times to help you enjoy them, and then during bad times will help you remember the good times and get through your troubles. They are priceless, a treasure, and are as rare as Kyawthuite. It is almost more likely for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for you to find a good friend… Without God’s help that is. If you fear God, meaning that you acknowledge and show that God is and will always be superior and greater than you, you should pray to him and ask him for a friend like that. Strive to be that friend. Faithful Friends; they may be rare, but like Kyawthuite, are beautiful and priceless when found. Come back next week for more scripture reflections. Let it sink in and thank God for the beautiful Word he has given us. Amen.