August 2, 2026

TEXT: Proverbs 18:17-24
I. A good friend can help us with perspective (v. 17-19)
A. A true friend can help us see when we are wrong (v. 17)
B. A true friend can help us settle issues better than chance (v. 18)
C. A true friend can help us when we are hurt or contentious (v. 19)

II. Our words have a huge impact on our friends and ourselves (vv. 20-21)
A. We can be satisfied by our words being a blessing to our friends (v. 20)
B. We can be blessed when our words result in good for others (v. 21)
C. We can enjoy what our words produce in others when we speak life to them

III. We need to value the blessings God gives to us (vv. 22-23)
A. Having a spouse who is your friend is a wonderful thing
B. Having a spouse who is a gift from God to you is an amazing thing
C. Having a blessing from the Lord means we should honor Him with that blessing

IV. Friendship is a great gift from God to enjoy (v. 24)
A. We can have many friends
B. We must be friendly in order to have friends
C. We all need the One Friend that is closer than any other friend or family