A Friendship That Refreshes the Soul
Scripture:
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” — Proverbs 27:6 (ESV)
Context: The Wisdom of Solomon and Proverbs 27
The book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba. God granted Solomon extraordinary wisdom—so great that leaders from distant lands traveled to hear him speak. His words weren’t just clever sayings; they were insights given by God to help people live well, walk wisely, and honor Him in every area of life.
Proverbs 27 is one of Solomon’s most relational and practical chapters. It offers wisdom for daily living—teaching us about humility, honesty, and the importance of authentic relationships. It reminds us not to boast about tomorrow, because only God knows what a day will bring. It encourages us to be discerning, to live with integrity, and to surround ourselves with people who strengthen our walk with the Lord.
But woven throughout the chapter is a beautiful thread about friendship—the kind that refines, strengthens, and restores the soul. It speaks of friends who sharpen one another like iron, who are faithful in love and truth, and who stand closer than family in times of need. Proverbs 27 shows us that real friendship isn’t about convenience or comfort; it’s about commitment, character, and Christlike care.
Devotional Thought:
Some of the most precious gifts God gives us are not things at all—they are people. They’re the friends who walk into our lives and somehow stay through every season. The ones who don’t need explanations because they already understand. The ones who pray with you when words fail, sit beside you when your world falls apart, and remind you that you’re not alone.
Proverbs 27 reminds us that true friendship is both sweet and strong. It refreshes the soul, but it also sharpens it. A real friend isn’t someone who just agrees with you to keep the peace; they love you enough to speak truth even when it’s hard. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Those words are tender and tough at the same time. They tell us that love doesn’t always sound like comfort—it often sounds like honesty.
There’s a big difference between the wounds of a friend and the kisses of an enemy. A friend’s correction may hurt in the moment, but it’s born out of care. An enemy’s flattery may feel good, but it leads to emptiness. One points you toward growth and truth; the other feeds your pride and blinds you to danger.
True friendship is not about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s being there when someone needs a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, or a reminder that God is still in control. It’s staying even when life gets messy, when the easy thing would be to walk away.
And isn’t that just like Jesus?
He called us friends (John 15:15). He shared life, laughter, tears, and truth with those He loved. He corrected His disciples when they strayed, but He never stopped loving them. He washed their feet. He broke bread with them. He gave His life for them. That’s what real friendship looks like—sacrificial, steadfast, and full of grace.
The Sweetness of Godly Friendship:
There’s something profoundly holy about friendship that reflects the heart of God. When you have someone who points you back to Jesus, who reminds you to pray when you forget, and who speaks life when you’ve lost your way, you’ve found a treasure far more valuable than gold.
Friendship isn’t about having someone to simply pass the time with; it’s about having someone who helps you make your time count. It’s the kind of love that stays when others fade, the kind that walks beside you through the valley and celebrates with you on the mountaintop.
These are the people who see your brokenness but don’t turn away. They don’t just tolerate you—they love you in the middle of your imperfections because they know God’s grace has done the same for them.
When you find friends like that—hold them close. Thank God for them. And be that kind of friend in return.
Reflection:
Who in your life refreshes your soul?
Have you thanked God lately for the friends who love you enough to tell you the truth?
How can you become the kind of friend who loves like Jesus—steadfast, forgiving, and full of grace?
Life Application:
1. Seek Godly Friends: Pray for friendships that sharpen your faith, not ones that dull it.
2. Be a Truth Teller: Speak truth with love. Don’t wound to win—speak to heal.
3. Be Present: Don’t underestimate the power of showing up. Sometimes presence is the greatest form of love.
4. Forgive Quickly: Friendships, like all relationships, will face storms. Grace keeps them anchored.
5. Love Like Jesus: When you love without condition, you reflect Christ Himself.
Closing Thought:
True friends are one of God’s greatest gifts. They remind us of His heart, His faithfulness, and His grace. When you find those rare souls who love like Jesus—who speak truth, share burdens, and celebrate blessings—treasure them. They are living reminders that God never intended for you to walk through this life alone.
Cherish them. Pray for them. Thank God for them. Because through them, you catch a glimpse of what heaven must feel like—a love that refreshes your soul and draws you closer to the heart of God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of friendship. Thank You for the people who refresh our souls, who love us enough to tell us the truth, and who walk beside us through joy and sorrow. Help me to be that kind of friend—faithful, encouraging, and full of grace. Let my friendships reflect Your love so that others see You in the way I care for them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
