Parenting 101: What to look out for when Making Friends

Don’t be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20

A righteous man is cautious in friendship... Proverbs 12:26

1. A person who has no regard for God or for His ways.

My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! They may say, “Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Just for fun, lets ambush the innocent!  Think of the great things we will get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff that we take. Come throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.” My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths. Proverbs 1:10-11,13-15

Stay away from a foolish man... Proverbs 14:7

2. A hotheaded person.

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared. Proverbs 22:24-25

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19

3. A prideful person.

4. A liar... A lying tongue.

The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. Proverbs 12:22

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6

5. Hands that shed innocent blood.

6. A false witness.

• Surround yourself with friends who love God with all their heart, with all their mind, with all their soul, and with all their strength and who want to live for Him.

• Surround yourself with people who are patient and kind. People who lift you up and help you become the person God created you to become.

• Surround yourself with people who are humble.

• Surround yourself with people who care about you.

• Surround yourself with people who put the needs of others ahead of themselves, and make sure you are doing the same thing.

• Surround yourself with people who will speak the truth in love to you.

• Surround yourself with people that care about others and who brag on your strengths, and cover your weaknesses, and never talk behind your back.