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CHARACTERISTICS OF BAD FRIENDSHIP
CHARACTERISTICS OF BAD FRIENDSHIP
Praise the Lord servant of the Lord, according to the Bible, there are some friendships that can be bad.
Now that we understand the significance of godly friendships let’s explore the characteristics of a bad friend according to the Bible:
1- BETRAYAL. Proverbs 16:28 (NKJV) says, “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” A bad friend may betray your trust and spread rumors or gossip about you behind your back.
2- GOSSIPING. Proverbs 11:13 (NKJV) warns, “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.” A bad friend may enjoy spreading rumors and divulging private information about you or others.
3- ENVY AND JEALOUSY. Proverbs 27:4 (NKJV) says, “Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before envy?” A bad friend may become jealous or envious of your successes and accomplishments.
4- DISHONESTY. Proverbs 19:22 (NKJV) says, “What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar.” A bad friend may lie or deceive you to benefit themselves or avoid confrontation.
5- NEGATIVE INFLUENCE. 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV) warns, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.'” A bad friend may encourage you to engage in destructive behavior or make choices that go against your values.
6- GREED. Proverbs 15:27 (NKJV) says, “He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.” A bad friend may prioritize their own financial gain or material possessions over your well-being.
7- SELF-CENTEREDNESS. Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV) instructs, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” A bad friend may prioritize their own needs and desires over yours and may not show concern for your well-being.
8- LACK OF OF EMPATHY. Proverbs 21:13 (NKJV) says, “Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.” A bad friend may lack empathy and disregard your feelings or struggles.
9- LACK OF OF ACCOUNTABILITY. Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV) says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” A bad friend may not hold you accountable for your actions and may not offer constructive criticism or guidance.
10- DISRESPECT. Proverbs 17:17 (NKJV) says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” A bad friend may disrespect you, belittle you, or disregard your boundaries and needs. Examples of Bad Friendships in the Bible. Throughout the Bible, there are examples of bad friendships and the consequences that come with them. Here are a few examples: Judas and Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). Job’s friends: Job’s friends accused him of sinning and brought him more grief than comfort (Job 2:11-13, 16-17). Samson and Delilah: Delilah used her relationship with Samson to betray him and give him over to his enemies (Judges 16:4-21). Amnon and Jonadab: Jonadab encouraged Amnon to rape his half-sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1-19). Absalom and Ahithophel: Ahithophel’s advice led to Absalom’s rebellion against his father, David, but it ultimately failed (2 Samuel 15-17).
• These examples show the destructive nature of bad friendships and the harm they can cause.
Having bad friends can have serious consequences on our lives, including:
1- SPIRITUAL CONSEQUENCES. Bad friendships can lead us away from God and cause us to compromise our values and beliefs. Proverbs 1:10 (NKJV) says, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”
When we surround ourselves with people who do not share our faith or values, we may be tempted to engage in sinful behavior or neglect our spiritual growth.
2- EMOTIONAL CONSEQUENCES. Bad friendships can cause emotional turmoil, such as feelings of betrayal, hurt, and rejection. Proverbs 12:26 (NKJV) says, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” When we invest time and energy into a friendship that turns out to be toxic, it can be difficult to recover emotionally.
3- MENTAL CONSEQUENCES. Bad friendships can negatively impact our mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. Proverbs 22:24-25 (NKJV) says, “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.” When we spend time with people who are negative or have destructive behavior, it can take a toll on our mental well-being.
4- PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES. Bad friendships can also have physical consequences, such as engaging in risky behavior or exposing ourselves to danger. Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV) says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” When we associate with people who engage in risky or dangerous behavior, we may be putting ourselves in harm’s way.
• We can avoid bad friendships as christians by becoming iñtentional in our making of friends.
Seek and Pray for guidance from God as you choose your friends. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Trust in God to lead you to the right people and give you discernment to recognize bad friendships.
• We can Set Standards for Friendships. Set standards for the kind of friendships you want to cultivate. Proverbs 22:24 (NKJV) says, “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go.” Consider qualities like honesty, loyalty, kindness, and respect when evaluating potential friendships.
• Be Cautious in Choosing Friends.Take your time in getting to know people and building relationships. Proverbs 12:26 (NKJV) says, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Avoid rushing into friendships and prioritize getting to know people slowly and intentionally.
• Be a Good Friend Yourself to others and model the kind of qualities you want to see in your friendships. Proverbs 17:17 (NKJV) says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Show love, kindness, and loyalty to your friends, and they will likely reciprocate.
• End Unhealthy Friendships. If you recognize that a friendship is unhealthy or toxic, be willing to end it. Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV) says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” It can be difficult to let go of friendships, but it is important to prioritize your well-being and seek out godly friendships.
• In Conclusion, as Christians, we must be mindful of the company we keep and the impact that our friends can have on our lives. The Bible provides clear guidance on the characteristics of a bad friend and the importance of cultivating godly friendships.We must prioritize relationships that bring us closer to God and support our Spiritual growth. By examining the different qualities of a bad friend, we can identify warning signs and make intentional choices in our friendships. I pray to the Almighty God to help us get godly friends in Jesus Mighty name.
Pr Nebayosi Bizige - Christ For All Nations Ministries Nansana Uganda.
Praise the Lord servant of the Lord, according to the Bible, there are some friendships that can be bad.
Now that we understand the significance of godly friendships let’s explore the characteristics of a bad friend according to the Bible:
1- BETRAYAL. Proverbs 16:28 (NKJV) says, “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” A bad friend may betray your trust and spread rumors or gossip about you behind your back.
2- GOSSIPING. Proverbs 11:13 (NKJV) warns, “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.” A bad friend may enjoy spreading rumors and divulging private information about you or others.
3- ENVY AND JEALOUSY. Proverbs 27:4 (NKJV) says, “Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before envy?” A bad friend may become jealous or envious of your successes and accomplishments.
4- DISHONESTY. Proverbs 19:22 (NKJV) says, “What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar.” A bad friend may lie or deceive you to benefit themselves or avoid confrontation.
5- NEGATIVE INFLUENCE. 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV) warns, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.'” A bad friend may encourage you to engage in destructive behavior or make choices that go against your values.
6- GREED. Proverbs 15:27 (NKJV) says, “He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.” A bad friend may prioritize their own financial gain or material possessions over your well-being.
7- SELF-CENTEREDNESS. Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV) instructs, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” A bad friend may prioritize their own needs and desires over yours and may not show concern for your well-being.
8- LACK OF OF EMPATHY. Proverbs 21:13 (NKJV) says, “Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.” A bad friend may lack empathy and disregard your feelings or struggles.
9- LACK OF OF ACCOUNTABILITY. Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV) says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” A bad friend may not hold you accountable for your actions and may not offer constructive criticism or guidance.
10- DISRESPECT. Proverbs 17:17 (NKJV) says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” A bad friend may disrespect you, belittle you, or disregard your boundaries and needs. Examples of Bad Friendships in the Bible. Throughout the Bible, there are examples of bad friendships and the consequences that come with them. Here are a few examples: Judas and Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). Job’s friends: Job’s friends accused him of sinning and brought him more grief than comfort (Job 2:11-13, 16-17). Samson and Delilah: Delilah used her relationship with Samson to betray him and give him over to his enemies (Judges 16:4-21). Amnon and Jonadab: Jonadab encouraged Amnon to rape his half-sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1-19). Absalom and Ahithophel: Ahithophel’s advice led to Absalom’s rebellion against his father, David, but it ultimately failed (2 Samuel 15-17).
• These examples show the destructive nature of bad friendships and the harm they can cause.
Having bad friends can have serious consequences on our lives, including:
1- SPIRITUAL CONSEQUENCES. Bad friendships can lead us away from God and cause us to compromise our values and beliefs. Proverbs 1:10 (NKJV) says, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”
When we surround ourselves with people who do not share our faith or values, we may be tempted to engage in sinful behavior or neglect our spiritual growth.
2- EMOTIONAL CONSEQUENCES. Bad friendships can cause emotional turmoil, such as feelings of betrayal, hurt, and rejection. Proverbs 12:26 (NKJV) says, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” When we invest time and energy into a friendship that turns out to be toxic, it can be difficult to recover emotionally.
3- MENTAL CONSEQUENCES. Bad friendships can negatively impact our mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. Proverbs 22:24-25 (NKJV) says, “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.” When we spend time with people who are negative or have destructive behavior, it can take a toll on our mental well-being.
4- PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES. Bad friendships can also have physical consequences, such as engaging in risky behavior or exposing ourselves to danger. Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV) says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” When we associate with people who engage in risky or dangerous behavior, we may be putting ourselves in harm’s way.
• We can avoid bad friendships as christians by becoming iñtentional in our making of friends.
Seek and Pray for guidance from God as you choose your friends. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Trust in God to lead you to the right people and give you discernment to recognize bad friendships.
• We can Set Standards for Friendships. Set standards for the kind of friendships you want to cultivate. Proverbs 22:24 (NKJV) says, “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go.” Consider qualities like honesty, loyalty, kindness, and respect when evaluating potential friendships.
• Be Cautious in Choosing Friends.Take your time in getting to know people and building relationships. Proverbs 12:26 (NKJV) says, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Avoid rushing into friendships and prioritize getting to know people slowly and intentionally.
• Be a Good Friend Yourself to others and model the kind of qualities you want to see in your friendships. Proverbs 17:17 (NKJV) says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Show love, kindness, and loyalty to your friends, and they will likely reciprocate.
• End Unhealthy Friendships. If you recognize that a friendship is unhealthy or toxic, be willing to end it. Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV) says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” It can be difficult to let go of friendships, but it is important to prioritize your well-being and seek out godly friendships.
• In Conclusion, as Christians, we must be mindful of the company we keep and the impact that our friends can have on our lives. The Bible provides clear guidance on the characteristics of a bad friend and the importance of cultivating godly friendships.We must prioritize relationships that bring us closer to God and support our Spiritual growth. By examining the different qualities of a bad friend, we can identify warning signs and make intentional choices in our friendships. I pray to the Almighty God to help us get godly friends in Jesus Mighty name.
Pr Nebayosi Bizige - Christ For All Nations Ministries Nansana Uganda.
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