Really quick post this morning . . . gotta get on the road for a quick day-trip down to Oregon.

This morning, a Proverb grabs not just my attention by primes the pump for praise. And that, because I’m reminded of something that’s really, really sweet.

Oil and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel.

(Proverbs 27:9 CSB)

This is where I think the CSB maybe leaves things cloudier than it should. Almost all the other translations capture the thought better. Here’s three of them.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. (ESV)

Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel. (NKJV)

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

Lots a people thinking they have a lotta “friends” these days — so they’re told by a number which appears on their social media feed. But we have so lost the definition of what it means to be a friend.

A friend, a sweet friend, is one who provides counsel, earnest counsel, hearty counsel, heartfelt counsel. They care enough to consult. The love enough to listen and then lay it out. They get you to the point where they’re willing to give it to you — even when it hurts. (And Proverbs covers that too, check out Proverbs 27:6.)

I have a few of those sweet friends. One I meet with weekly and have, for more weeks than not, for the past 15 or so years. Another, I connect with regularly, and a couple of others who I am able to see maybe twice a year — but every time we connect it is sweet ’cause they get in my business. And there are others who while not as close, still care enough to counsel and are willing to be iron to sharpen my iron (Prov. 27:17).

God designed us for friendship . . . real friendship . . . sweet friendship . . . hearty friendship . . . friendship that bears the sweet fruit of counsel. Oh, that I would be such a friend.

So thankful for my friends. So grateful to my God.

Sweet!

Thank you, Lord.

By You grace. For Your glory.