Why every leader needs a friend like this
Proverbs 18:24 depicts two types of friends:
“A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
The first type are those the NIV calls “unreliable friends.” In the Hebrew, rea`,it is defined more like a “companion” (ESV, HNB) that journeys with you because they benefit from your companionship.
Leaders will always encounter these type of people. These are the ones that partner with your leadership because of what they derive from the relationship. They get more than they give. And they are probably the majority of our partners in leadership.
The second type of friend, in Hebrew ahab, is one who “loves you as family.” Leaders will also encounter these people. They may be fewer and farther between, but they are evident because it is their nature to give to another rather than to take. Hang onto these relationships. They will be there with you through good times and more importantly bad times.
This proverb also suggests many of the first types of friends (companions) lead “to ruin.”
The second type of friends will “cling to you” (Hebrew dabeq) like family.
To help visualize (and identify) those friends who love you like family and will cling to you through difficult situations, we have only to look to the friendship exemplified by the New Testament disciple: Barnabas. His very name means son of encouragement. And, he was the one who encouraged skeptical disciples to accept the redeemed Saul, now named Paul.
In my life these people who have clung to me and stayed with me like family have been the greatest source of encouragement. They don't seem to be the majority, maybe only 10 percent of the friends I know. However, I love them and value them.
The author of Proverbs reminds us to deepen our relationship with the “Barnabas friends” who will last forever.
Photo source: istock
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Bob Whitesel (D.Min., Ph.D.) is a foresight coach, professor, and award-winning author of 14 books. For over 30 years, he has guided leaders and churches to pivot and engage what’s next. He holds two earned doctorates from Fuller Theological Seminary and teaches on leadership foresight, church health, and organizational change. His website is www.ChurchForesight.com. Learn More » |
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