What is a good friend?

Four attributes characterize a good friend (Derek Kidner):

1. Constancy. A good friend loves at all times (Prov 17:17) and sticks closer than a brother (Prov 18:24).
2. Candor. A good friend is willing to risk hurting you for your good (Prov 27:6; Eph 4:15).
3. Counsel. A good friend cheers (Prov 27:9) and challenges (Prov 27:17).
4. Tact. A good friend does not force or impose one's friendship (Prov 27:14), or overstay one's welcome (Prov 25:17), or gloat (Prov 25:20), or joke crassly (Prov 26:18-19).

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Wounding Kisses, Friendly Wounds (Prov. 27:5,6,9)

Frankness between Friends. Prov. 27:5,6 say, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy." A true friend risks even his friend's wrath and anger by speaking the truth for his good that he may not wish to hear.

True Friends Improve Each Other. Prov. 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." God meant for no man to be an island. A man's advance and progress is best through the influence of a good man, a mentor.

True Testing. Prov. 27:21 "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives." Many a man is strengthened by adversity, while the true measure of a man is exposed in the day of success and praise.

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