Together in Christ: 'The Counsel of a Friend' — Proverbs 27:9

Friday, January 31, 2025

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

Key Thought

Some people are know-it-alls who constantly give their advice to others. Our proverb today is not praising that kind of person. "Heartfelt counsel" comes from a listening ear and a heart full of empathy. Such people are "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." [1] They are the type of people who join their hearts with another as they weave their friendship together with the Lord as their third strand in a strong cord of love and grace. [2] To be qualified to offer this "heartfelt counsel," friends need to be there for the other person regardless of the difficulties life brings. [3] When we are this kind of friend, we can bring a precious gift to the other person with our words that bring life [4] - words that are "as sweet as perfume and incense."

Today's Prayer

My Father and God, please mold me to be like Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit so my words will bring life to those I love. Dear Jesus, help me be more like You as I seek to listen fully to others and then speak Your love and grace into their lives and encourage them in their walk with You. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Job 4:3-4, 16:2-6
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 5:11; Romans 12:8

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, January 31, 2025

The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"We must not imagine that we are suffering for Christ, and with Christ, if we are not in Christ. Beloved friend, are you trusting to Jesus only? If..."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"[Jesus continued teaching about the Kingdom:] "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he..."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Disciple, Even after I ascended back to the Father, the work of My apostles reminded people that My power and presence were still at work. I was..."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.