"ENCOURAGING FRIENDSHIPS"

Good Evening to All!

(5) Open rebuke is better than secret love (A spoken reprimand is better than approval that is never expressed). (6) Faithful are the wounds of a friend but the kisses from an enemy are deceitful. (The wounds of a lover are worth it; kisses from an enemy will do you in).

(9) Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. (Just as lotions and fragrances give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul);

(17) Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another). (18) Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. (If you care for your orchard, you'll enjoy its fruit; if you honor your boss, you'll be honored). (19) As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. (Just as water mirrors your face, so your faces mirrors your heart. . .

(21) As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise. (The purity of silver and gold is tested by putting them into the fire; the purity of human hearts is tested by giving them a little fame). Proverbs 27:5-6, 9, 17-19, 21
KJV * The Message

Each one of these verses are saying that people who are hard pressed to give words of approval, don't realize that their silence speaks louder than words. they are sending out signals of rejection or indifference. Most people who I've talked to as well as myself have often said that I would rather be told the truth even if it hurts rather than not being told anything at all. At least if there is something wrong I can correct it, or apologize, whatever it takes to remedy the situation. If nothing is said then I will never know and always wonder what went wrong.

A true friendship is wonderful because it comes with encouragement , loyalty, and honesty. This friend will always keep us on our toes by keeping us accountable for our actions and bringing out our good qualities while at the same time, showing us how to improve our weaknesses.

You can tell a true friendship in the workplace when one person gets promoted or becomes important, yet she still makes time for her friends. Also, on the other end, a true friend will be happy when her friend gets promoted or becomes important, rather than become jealous and bitter.

A true friend does not take advantage of her friendship with her boss. She does not ask special favors or put her friend "on the spot". She realizes that while at work they must remain professional.

I a person does all of these things, and the friendship remains in tact, that friendship is definitely one that will last through time.

Good Night to All and May God Bless,