In order to avoid any confusion, it is helpful to realize that this verse is found in the book of Proverbs. It is true that Solomon wrote most of the proverbs, but the name of the book is Proverbs. The lesson that this verse is teaching is that it is better to have one true friend than many friends who lead us into a life of sin and misery. It is not saying that it is wrong to have many friends. It is contrasting the value of one close and faithful friend with many friends who are a bad influence and ruin your life.

Concerning a friend who sticks closer than a brother, this reminds us of the Lord Jesus Christ. He said in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The Lord Jesus laid down His life for us which makes Him the best friend possible. Are we enjoying the depth of friendship that He desires to have with us? Close friends enjoy spending time together, and He is always ready to spend time with us. Do we make time to develop a deeper friendship with Him?  May each of us spend time listening to Him in His Word and praying to Him.

Pop culture icon David Cassidy’s last words were “so much wasted time.” Instead of a life of ruin and regret, we can let Christ change us so that we honor Him and live an abundant life. We read in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The Lord Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” I pray that each of our readers will develop a deeper friendship with the Lord and enjoy the abundant life that He has for us.  (396.1)  (DJ)