In memory of a dear friend

Sirach 6v5-14:

"A gentle word makes many friends, an agreeable tongue calls forth gracious replies. Let your friends be many but your counselors one in a thousand!

If you would gain a friend, begin by testing him and do not put your confidence in him too quickly. For there is the friend who is such when it suits him but he does not remain faithful in times of adversity.

There is the friend who becomes an enemy and, to your confusion, makes known why you quarreled.

There is the friend who shares your table but does not remain faithful when things go against you. In times of prosperity he will be like your shadow and he will speak freely to those in your household. But if you are humiliated, he will turn against you and will avoid meeting you.



Distance yourself from your enemies and be careful about your friends.

The faithful friend is a secure refuge; whoever has found one has found a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond all price, hold him as priceless. A faithful friend is a life saving remedy, and those who fear the Lord will find one.

Whoever fears the Lord will make true friends for, as a man is, such will his friends be."

I and my prayer partner and friend were prompted to study this passage as a result of a misplaced trust within a new friendship; although painful, a mighty lesson was learned that day. Little did we know, that only a few months later the Lord would call my dear friend home to the kingdom. Wherever you are today give thanks for friendship and Jesus the greatest friend of all.