Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Proverbs on Friendship, Part 4 Neighbors God has designed us to need good close and intimate friends Be careful that your close and best friends are positive influences on you - avoid those who are not

Proverbs on Friendship, Part 4 Neighbors The goal of your existence is to glorify God which is done in part by helping others become like Jesus The Hebrew term reya’ (ray’ah) can be translated as either friend or neighbor

Evil Neighbors Since we live in a fallen and sin cursed world, do not be surprised that people desire evil - Prov. 21:10 The root of the evil of the wicked is selfishness which does not have compassion for others.

Evil Neighbors The wicked will slander (Prov. 25:18) which spreads strife (Prov. 6:19) & lies are treacherous (Prov. 14:25)

Evil Neighbors Proverbs 24:28-29 Warnings about being a witness against a neighbor 1) Do not be a witness without cause or you will be a gossip, whisperer, talebearer (11:13; 18:8; 20:19)

Evil Neighbors Proverbs 24:28-29 2) Do not be a deceitful witness - Prov. 12:17; 19:5. Proverbs 11:12-13 - despising your neighbor lacks sense – Proverbs 27:10 Proverbs 25:9-10

Evil Neighbors Proverbs 24:28-29 3) Do not seek revenge - Leviticus 19:18 Matthew 7:12; Deuteronomy 16:19 A false witness can wreck havoc and even cause death - 1 Kings 21

Evil Neighbors Proverbs speak against evil actions: Murder (1:10-19; 6:17); Adultery (7; 6:29); Theft (29:24)

Evil Neighbors It is worse to entice someone to join in the evil - Proverbs 16:29; Proverbs 1:10-14; 2:12-15 Proverbs 3:30-32

The Contrasts Contrast in desire and direction: Proverbs 12:26; Proverbs 11:23; 4:18; Proverbs 3:29 Contrast in speech: Proverbs 10:11 Proverbs 29:5

The Contrasts Contrast in honesty: Proverbs 3:27-28; Psalm 37:21 Proverbs 19:7

The Contrasts Contrast in courtesy & manners: Proverbs 3:3-4; 13:15; 14:9 Proverbs 26:18-19 Proverbs 10:23; 15:21 Proverbs 25:16-17 Proverbs 27:14

The Loving Neighbor Leviticus 19:18; Galatians 5:14 Luke 10:25-37 The Priest - should have been the most likely to help The Levite - well positioned to help The Samaritan - most likely to not help

The Loving Neighbor Luke 10:25-37 A neighbor could be anyone Matthew 5:43-48 extends loving your neighbor to your enemies too There is no restriction on who is your neighbor

Conclusions The priority commitment is to other believers - John 13:34-35 Galatians 6:9-10 gives us the balance Do not follow the example of the wicked, but strive to be a godly influence upon them

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ