True friendship will occasionally involve wounds (vv. 5–6) as you speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) because friendship cannot be built on deception or envy (v. 4).
Friends should encourage each other with loving counsel (v. 9) and honest praise (v. 2). But beware flattery (v. 14)! The way you respond to praise reveals your character, just as a jeweler’s furnace reveals the nature of the precious metal (v. 21). Praise brought out the best in David but the worst in Saul (1 Sam. 18:1–16). What does it do to you?
Friends should be faithful to each other (v. 10; 17:17), but you also need to be loyal to family and neighbors (v. 10). You never can tell when you may need them or they may need you! Not everybody will become a close friend, so do not get so exclusive that you neglect other people.
Don’t Fall for Flattery
Sincere praise can be an encouragement, but flattery only does harm (Prov. 26:28). Beware the kisses of an enemy (Prov. 27:6; 2 Sam. 20:9–10; Matt. 26:48–50)! There are times when flattery may seem the only way to save a friendship, but afterward, you will regret it (Prov. 28:23). The flatterer is like a hunter who spreads his net (Prov. 29:5), so be on your guard.
“Flattery is not communication; it is manipulation.”
