Proverbs 27:9-11 (ESV)
9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
10 Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend,
and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is near
than a brother who is far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
that I may answer him who reproaches me.
Olive oil brings relief to dry skin, incense creates a pleasant fragrance, and the committed friend is a great source of joy. During a time of crisis, it’s better to turn to a close friend nearby and accessible than a blood relative who is distant and far off. One of life’s highest blessings is true friendship with one who is steadfast and available through good and bad times. The father entrusts his son with the responsibility to be like-minded with him, prepared to defend his honor and his name against any adversary. It is important that family and friends stick together, ready and willing to weather the storms of life as a team. Would your friends say you are a source of joy in their lives? Do you take time to listen, rejoicing in their victories and grieving with their heartaches? Choose to get your eyes off yourself and be a good friend to someone else today.