Welcome to 'RIC Understandable Reflection'. Since November 2021, I have been writing weekly reflections in Dutch for my church and others who are interested in the Bible. These reflections are sent through a WhatsApp list and shared on my website.
Last week, I met someone who wanted to read these reflections in English. Because of this, I decided to start translating them so more people can read them. From now on, I will share them in English as well.
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Please note: The reflections on this page change every week. Old ones are removed. May these words bless you, and may the Lord give you His grace and wisdom.
300 RIC A Biblical Message - Understandable Reflection
2 apr 2025
Proverbs 17:17-19
- A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
- A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend.
- He who loves transgression loves strife, And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.
Reflection
Greetings, precious soul,
Do you have relationships strong enough to withstand any storm? How do you handle responsibilities and conflicts? In Proverbs 17:17-19, we find three valuable lessons about friendship, responsibility, and humility that help us live well with others and with God.
God, as a wise Teacher, encourages us in the Bible to seek true, steadfast relationships. In Proverbs 17:17, we read: ‘A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.’ This verse teaches us the great value of a true friend. Not just a friend who stays close in good times, but one who remains faithful even in difficult moments. Jesus is the best example of this love. He gave His life for us, even when we were still in sin. This is true friendship: a love that does not change but endures even in the darkest times.
In verse 18, the Bible says: ‘A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge and becomes surety for his friend.’ Be careful with promises and commitments. Sometimes, in our kindness or impulsiveness, we make promises without considering the consequences. Where true friendship is patient and wise, recklessness can be harmful. If you quickly take responsibility for others, it may bring heavy burdens later. Wisdom is needed to make sound decisions. Jesus teaches us: ‘But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.’ (Matthew 5:37).
Verse 19 warns us about the dangers of conflict and pride: ‘He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.’ It is dangerous for your soul to always seek conflict and argument or to live in pride. Those who always want to be right or place themselves above others will eventually fall. Pride opens the door to greater loss and harm. As followers of Christ, we seek humility, not pride, for that is where blessing is found. As we learned in reflection 285: ‘Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall’ (Proverbs 16:18).
How can we apply this to our lives? Do not seek friends who are only there in good times but those who stand with you in hardship. Think carefully before making promises and be cautious with commitments. And above all, be humble and seek peace. The true friend is not proud or quarrelsome but always strives for what is right and good in God's eyes.
The one who lives according to God’s will is not proud or seeking conflict but always pursues what is right and good in His sight.
May God's grace help us apply these lessons to our lives so that we live as Jesus showed us—with love, wisdom, and humility. This is given to us through the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
Prayer
LORD, thank You for the friendships and family bonds You have given us. Thank You that You are our Father and that we have a Brother—Your only begotten Son—who has gone before us. Help us to be faithful in our relationships, especially in difficult times, just as You, the Triune God, are always faithful. Give us wisdom to make sound decisions and not be led by impulsiveness or pride. Teach us humility and to seek peace, not conflict or strife. May we always pursue what is good and right in Your eyes. Give us the strength to walk in love, wisdom, and humility, just as Jesus showed us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.