The Proverb

I've been spending a lot of time in the book of Proverbs this week.  I've been struck by the contrasts in this book. The wise do this, and the foolish do that! The wise say this, but the foolish do that! etc...I focused on the verses about friendship, and found this one especially nice. "A friend loves at all times. And, a brother is born for adversity" proverbs 17:17 "He who conceals a transgression seeks love. But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends." proverbs 17:9 "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." proverbs 27:17
What does a Proverbs Friend look like?  She is wise, she loves at all times, which sets her apart. She demonstrates caution in the beginning of a friendship, and once it is established, she endures through the thick and the thin. She seeks and she gives wise, earnest counsel. She is trustworthy, even when she is being sharpened. She steps forward and she takes risk. She allows Jesus to be the golden thread that holds the friendship together and grows it.
I have not always been a wise friend. I've been the kind of friend that leaves. The kind of friend that does not want to be sharpened. The kind of friend that will not endure. This is something I have had to bring before the throne and confess, repent, and ask my Savior to change me. I have had to seek being a Proverbs Friend. I have had to daily ask Jesus to be closer to me than I am to myself, to be deeper within me than my deepest, and higher than my highest. To enable me to be the friend He so desires me to be.
Jesus, I launch myself towards You today and ask You to Say That Again, and again. Mold my heart, my character, all my beliefs to align with Yours.  Speak to my heart and lead me to be a Proverbs Friend.