May 3rd, 2026
Scripture – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.”
Proverbs 17:17-18 NIV
Observation – Verse 17 says that a friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a time of adversity. The next verse states that a person who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.
Application – Here is the problem we face, when a person is emotionally distraught we want to take their pain away so we rush in and make foolish promises to take care of them (this is huge mistake). All this does is make them feel better in the moment but they don’t learn anything and then we saddle ourselves with a problem that isn’t our responsibility. The prudent response is to honor God by being there for them so they know you love them and helping them work through their issue without making it disappear with your money. It isn’t a loving thing for a person to eliminate their problem and make it yours. As the verse says, God wants us to love people and be there for them in their trouble but most of the time writing a check for someone that has a history of making poor financial choices isn’t the right help.
Prayer – Lord, give us courage to not abandon our friends in their distress but help them in the right way. Sometimes it may be money, give us discernment Lord. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 