the encounter

FROM PROVERBS 22

Many people know what they are looking for in othere when it comes to friendship. How many people know what it takes to be a good friend?

He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is graciouswill have the king for his friend. proverbs 22:11

In this brief verse, two qualities are listed as the most powerful for being a good friend to others.

• someone who loves sincerity – when you are able to trust the heart of your friend then you have a real friend. you’re not concerned about their motives. you fully trust them with your secrets, words, heart, and life. the one “who loves a pure heart” makes it their goal to be genuine, open, honest, and without a mixture of selfishness or deceit.
• someone who’s words are filled with grace – the natural follow up to a person wholovesa pure heart iscommunication with others that is filled with grace. when they speak:

there is no pride

there is no condemnation

there is no question of their motives

there is acceptance

there is concern

there is understanding

who woud not love a friend who’s heart you could trust and who’s words were gracious?