Derek Kidner, in his commentary on Proverbs, shows how it presents friendship in two forms: the generous neighbor and the constant companion. Both offer value in a world marked by folly and laziness.
The closer the bond, the greater the potential for betrayal—unless both parties are rooted in wisdom.
The neighbor shows generous love without expecting anything in return. The friend, by contrast, is marked by four qualities:
Constancy rather than casual encounter,
Candor instead of shallow acquaintance,
Counsel that both cheers and challenges, and
Genuine care.
Yet friendship carries inherent risk. The closer the bond, the greater the potential for betrayal—unless both parties are rooted in wisdom.
Disclaimer: Information in my “slip-box” doesn’t necessarily reflect my agreement with the source or all its content. Recording diverse perspectives helps strengthen one’s position beyond the echo chamber of like-minded thinkers. By documenting alternative viewpoints, we engage in the intellectual wrestling match that ultimately deepens our understanding.
I aspire to post one note from my “slip-box” every weekday. If you want to learn more about how to work with knowledge, click this link: What is knowledge management?
Pastor Dan Patrick, raised in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., holds both a Bible degree and a Master’s of Divinity. He has ministered across five states from coast to coast, serving in various capacities, including pastoral leadership. Dan’s primary mission is to help people love God’s Word and find their purpose in God’s work.
