1. True Friendship Proverbs 27:9

2. Our Best Companion: God Jesus made this clear. Jn. 15:12-15Jesus made this clear. Jn. 15:12-15 Yet, from the beginning, God knew that His earthly crown (man) would need earthly companions.Yet, from the beginning, God knew that His earthly crown (man) would need earthly companions.

3. Everybody Needs Somebody “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Gen. 2:18 “Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?” Ecc. 4:11“Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?” Ecc. 4:11

4. The Value of a True Friend David and Jonathan. 1 Sam. 18:1-4David and Jonathan. 1 Sam. 18:1-4 Paul with Timothy/Titus. 1 Tim. 1:2; Tit. 1:4Paul with Timothy/Titus. 1 Tim. 1:2; Tit. 1:4 “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NASB95)

5. If Not Here… Then Elsewhere Look around and some within the Lord’s church likely have their closest friends outside the church. Why?Look around and some within the Lord’s church likely have their closest friends outside the church. Why? –No genuine fellowship with brethren. –They cannot trust their brethren: gossip; condemnatory; etc. Prov. 16:28b –They love the world. 1 Jn. 2:15

6. Godly Principles for Godly Friendships Choose Your Friends Wisely Proverbs 12:26 “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

7. Godly Principles for Godly Friendships Speak With Grace Proverbs 22:11 “He who loves purity of heart And has grace on his lips, The king will be his friend.”

8. Godly Principles for Godly Friendships Be Forgiving Proverbs 17:9 “He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.”