The aroma of friendship (Proverbs 27)

We are what we eat.

What we put in privately will be revealed to the watching world whether we like it or not. Thus this simple but beautiful Proverb from Solomon;

“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”

(Proverbs 27:19 NIV11)

The inner life of your heart bit by bit will work up to compose the greater picture of your life. It makes sense. Our choices and decisions reflect our passions and aspirations, our strengths as much as our flaws and these are the building blocks of a life.

Part of a life well lived is to enjoy and experience friendship. Solomon’s Dad – David – had a legendary friendship with his mate Jonothan. There’s something about being known and knowing another, without deceit, without self interest, with good will, and genuine concern that is truly a gift. 

I’m guessing that working from home, or on holidays, we aren’t getting much into perfume and incense at the moment. The best smell that I could come up with that we might love is fresh baking. There’s a reason that people trying to sell a house put bread in the oven – it gives an aroma like nothing else. So keep freshly baked bread in your mind as you read this proverb; 

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”

(Proverbs 27:9 NIV11)

Good friends bring the aroma of life. They bring it by good advice – they care enough to speak helpful words to their mate. These words correct and improve indeed it’s put wonderfully here:

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

(Proverbs 27:17 NIV11)

So who’s life are you improving with your words? Who is sharpening you (in the best way) to be a useful tool in the hands of your Maker? Perhaps today’s application is to drop a friend a line and include the words from one of these proverbs with a simple line of thanks for what they are doing in your life. 

Grace and peace,

Stuart.

#newlifeislivedhere #readingfornewlife #wisdom #Provebs