June 1 | Friends

Friendship is incredibly important and influential. Perhaps no other story in the Bible illustrates this truth better than a decision by Rehoboam shortly after his ascension as king of Israel (1 Kings 12:1-16). Upon taking the throne following the death of his father Solomon (the author of many of the Proverbs), the people approach Rehoboam with a request. They want to know if he would consider lessening the impact of government on their lives. They were probably referring to Solomon’s massive taxation, forced labor and military draft.

Rehoboam had two choices: listen to the elders who served his father (“Lessen the load!”) or listen to his friends, the buddies he grew up with (“Increase the load!”). Regretfully, he listened to his buddies, choose poorly and lost the support of the people. Greatly influenced by the advice he received from his friends, his decision accelerated the nation’s spiritual and political slide.

Friendship is a major theme in Proverbs. In multiple places, Proverbs tells us that the direction and quality of our life is connected to the direction and quality of our friends (see Proverbs 1:8-19 in today’s The Wisdom Challenge). The truth is, like Rehoboam, we do listen to those we hang with.