Friendship III
I can trust my friends. These people force me to examine [and] encourage me to grow. (Cher, singer)
Friends are not just “yes” men or women. Good friends speak truth into a situation even when it may hurt a bit. That’s one of the ways that we grow—through the loving, kind, well-intentioned criticism of those who know us and care most for us and our good. That will likely include corrections as well as accolades.
The godly give good advice to their friends. . . Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. . . The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 12:26; 27:6, 9)