“But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man”. 2 Samuel 13:3(KJV)
Friendship can make or mar a person’s life. Most times it mars more than it makes. The kind of company you keep is a reflection of the kind of life you live. Show me your friends and I will tell who you are. The story of Amnon is a case of a wasted life due to bad association. The advice of Jonadab to Amnon led to his eventual death in the hand of Absalom Tamar’s brother. The bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:33(KJV) “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners”. No matter how holy you are when you begin to associate with people of dubious character in no time their actions and vulgar language will begin to have influence on you. That is why the bible admonish us to come out from the midst of them and be separate unto holiness. Concerning the company we keep Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:14 -15(KJV) “Be ye not unequally yoke together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communication hath light with darkness. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel”. It is not a must that we should have friends, but if we must have as Christian the first priority is that our friendship must be among believers. Even among believers we must seek discretion from God. The measurement of good friendship is that it must add positive values to your life and conversation in such relationship must be edifying. Be practical in selecting your friends using biblical injunctions. The bible warns us that “……know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God”. James 4:4(KJV). Friendship is not a do or die affair. In whatever relationship you are involved in and you realize it is not edifying leave it. The heart of man is very complex. Be careful how you choose your friends.
Father, please guide me in my association In Jesus name
Bro. Joel Ezeugo